TOMS RIVER, NJ – For almost 40 years, Plumsted resident Ron Dancer has been a driving force behind the success of the Republican Party in Ocean County, and this week, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners paid their respects after losing his battle against a chronic illness.
Dancer, a former Plumsted mayor, died Saturday at the age of 73. He served as mayor of Plumsted Township from 1990 to 2011 before being elected to the New Jersey State Assembly in 2002, a position he held until his death this weekend.
Commission Deputy Director Virginia E. Haines worked closely with Dancer, who was also a member of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee and County Board of Social Services, and spoke about how passionate Dancer was at this job.
“Ron Dancer dedicated his life to serving the people of Plumsted, Ocean County, and the state of New Jersey,” she said. “He worked passionately to preserve our farmland and open space. He was also committed to helping the less fortunate in our state and county.”
Haines, whose family maintains deep roots in Ocean County said his loss extends beyond the shore area as Dancer was a champion of many causes that affect residents statewide.
“Ron Dancer always put people before politics and he was well-liked and well-respected by members of both parties,” she said. “His loss is a loss to the entire state.”
Haines, who served in the Assembly prior to Dancer, said Dancer also championed legislation supporting the state’s veterans.
Dancer had also served on the Ocean County Senior Citizens Advisory Board and the Human Services Advisory Council.
The Board of Commissioners will observe a moment of silence in honor of Assemblyman Dancer at its July 27 Pre-Board meeting. Governor Phil Murphy announced that all flags in front of state building will fly at half-staff today in honor of Assemblyman Dancer. All Ocean County flags will also be at half-staff.
Haines also has served much of her life for the state of New Jersey in various capacities.