The Lakewood Township community is mourning the loss of Craig Thiebault, a longtime resident and dedicated public servant whose decades of civic involvement left a lasting mark on local government and community life.
Thiebault passed away just weeks after the township honored him and his family with the dedication of the “Thiebault Family Garden” in Pine Park, a permanent tribute to their contributions.
A descendant of a family whose roots in Lakewood trace back to the Rockefeller era, Thiebault held numerous roles in township government and civic organizations. He served on the Lakewood Shade Tree Commission, the Municipal Utilities Authority, and was an active leader in the local Republican Party.
Mayor Ray Coles reflected on their relationship, saying, “On the surface, our friendship seemed unlikely at best… Rather than focus on our differences, we bonded over our shared lives, our families, good music and, soon enough, our common service to Lakewood Township. Craig will be sorely missed.”
Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller said, “Craig’s strong Lakewood roots were always evident in his commitment to make Lakewood a better place.”
Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes noted, “We deeply mourn Craig’s untimely passing but take solace in the fact that we’ve established the beautiful Garden as an eternal tribute to his memory.”
Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein emphasized Thiebault’s impact on the township’s green spaces, while Committeeman Isaac Akerman recalled his role as “a powerful force for effective cooperation.”
Thiebault is survived by his wife Gina, son Chase, daughter Chelsey, son-in-law Alex, and grandchildren Chloe and Callie.
Lakewood Township honors the legacy of Craig Thiebault, whose decades of service and dedication to community left an enduring impact on the town he loved.
