Ex-Mayor's Death Leaves Morristown Mourning

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Former Morristown Mayor Jay DeLaney has died after recently being diagnosed with esophageal cancer this past July, according to an announcement made by Mayor Tim Dougherty.

Flags in Morristown will be flown at half-mast for the next week in memory of DeLaney, who died on Sunday.

DeLaney served as mayor from 1998 to 2005. He also served on the Morristown Town Council from 1990 to 1993, as well as the Morristown Planning Board from 1988 to 1990, among other civic positions.

According to his wife, Debra Gottsleben, DeLaney loved talking to the people of Morristown and helping out in any way that he could. "Jay loves talking to people. It's always been his, his forte, being out and about," Gottsleben said.

Read more: Cancer Diagnosis For Former Mayor, Morristown Community Offers Support

Mayor Dougherty addressed DeLaney's death in a Facebook video to the public.

He stated in it that DeLaney was a great friend and mentor to him. "I got to serve with Jay for four years as an at large councilman. He was just a great mentor, someone that I've used constantly throughout the years I've been mayor, for advice and to talk about issues."

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, a public viewing will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Doyle Funeral Home, located at 106 Maple Avenue. The funeral service will be held at Assumption Church on Wednesday, Nov. 30th at 10 a.m.