One of the more beloved public figures, human beings in the Ocean County community has been called home.

Lacey Township Mayor Nicholas "Nick" Juliano passed away Tuesday at the age of 63 following a brief battle with a very aggressive cancer, according to a statement from Lacey Township Administrator/Municipal Clerk Veronica Laureigh.

He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Carol and his brother-in-law William Doheny and is survived by his wife of 45-years Peggy Sue (nee Doheny), his son Nicholas William Juliano, daughter Marisa Sue Juliano, mother-in-law Marie Krieger, as well as the rest of his family, his many friends, and his pets, according to his obituary.

The Newark native moved to Ocean Gate and then Forked River in 1989.

Between 1986 and 2009, Nick was the owner of a NAPA auto parts store, and more recently was the Field Supervisor of Spirits Unlimited.

In addition to serving as Lacey Township Mayor and on the Township Committee, he was an Honorary Member of Lanoka Harbor Fire Department, Citizen of the Year through Elks Lodge 2518, and A Little League Hall of Famer.

Juliano had just begun his latest term as Mayor in 2022 where he also served in 2018, as well as Deputy Mayor in 2017 and 2021, all after being elected to the governing body in 2015.

Here is a statement from the Township of Lacey:

"He passed surrounded by his wife and children, and we know he is at peace. Nick was an integral part of the Township and cared deeply for his community. Mayor Juliano was a man of great character. He was a kind, well-spoken man who was all about helping his community.  Nick was admired by all and loved by so many. He worked tirelessly for his constituents. He valued the local community groups, the veteran’s organizations, and the emergency service squads for their devotion to Lacey. Mayor Juliano valued the men and women of the Township offices and departments and cultivated the best in all of them."

Administrator Laureigh said that in honor of Mayor Juliano's passing, the township flags will fly at half-staff through Sunday.

A viewing for Mayor Juliano will be held on Friday, March 4 from 2-4 pm, 6-8 pm, and again on Saturday from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 am at Riggs Funeral Home, 130 North Main Street, Forked River.

The family said that In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Popcorn Park Zoo, PO Box 43, Forked River, NJ 08731 in Nick’s memory.

Nick Juliano was a great man, who I personally am fortunate to have met and spoken with. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick, his family, friends, and the Township of Lacey.

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