Berkeley Township Pays Final Respects to Township Icon This Week

Family and friends of Gregory DePaul gather this week for a final farewell. The longtime volunteer first-responder and Deputy Coordinator of the township's emergency management operations died after hospitalization for double pneumonia.

DePaul is well-remembered as a founding member of the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company and the township's emergency response team, the latter of which he headed until several weeks ago.

He remained active following a diagnosis of lung cancer several years ago, working through treatments aimed at remission, right through organizational meetings before Hurricane Sandy, say township officials who also noted that he brought his expertise to similar agencies around the state.

DePaul also served as the superintendent of the Berkeley Township Sewerage Authority.

Viewing takes place Wednesday at Mastapeter Funeral Home with services Thursday at Saint Barnabas Church, both in Bayville.