SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Former Township Mayor Roger E. Craig Sr. dies (UPDATED MONDAY AT 1:20 p.m.)

Last Republican to sit on Freeholder Board in Middlesex County

By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
Former Mayor, Board of Education member and Middlesex County Freeholder Roger Craig has died, officials said Sunday night.
He was 77 and passed away at home, according to his wife of 55 years, Nanette.
“He was a good guy,” Ms. Craig said. “He wanted the best for the town, and the best for the people.”
Ms. Craig said her husband had been in failing health during the last year.

“We lost an outstanding citizen in South Brunswick Township today,” South Brunswick Republican Organization member and former chairman Lynda Woods Cleary said in an email Sunday night. “Roger E. Craig Sr. was well known throughout the Township and Middlesex County. He was a man of his word who made a difference in the lives of the people that he met and served.”

He was actively involved in local politics, and was a member of the South Brunswick School Board, Township Council and Mayor, and a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders in Middlesex County, the email read.

He chaired the South Brunswick Republican Organization and he and Nanette also served as Committeeman and Committeewoman respectively in District 5 for many years.

“Roger Craig made a great contribution to the residents of South Brunswick as a member of the Board of Education, councilman and mayor, as well as at the county level as a freeholder,” former GOP Township Councilman John O’Sullivan said Sunday night. “Personally, Roger was a great friend from whom I learned a lot when he was the manager of my successful campaign for council.”

Flags at the municipal building complex on Route 522 were being flown at half-staff on Monday in honor of Mr. Craig.
Current Democratic Mayor Frank Gambatese said Monday that the township wants to recognize the things Mr. Craig did for the municipality during his years of public service.
“I was sorry to hear of the passing of former mayor and Township Committeeman Roger Craig,” Mayor Gambatese said Monday. “I know he always wanted what was best for the township and I want to pass along the thoughts and prayers from myself and the rest of the Township Council to his family.”
Former Republican Township Councilman, and selected Mayor in 1996 under the Township Committee form of government, Ted Van Hessen remembered Mr. Craig as a teacher as well as a passionate community activist.
“Roger loved South Brunswick and was always a passionate and erudite advocate for the community,” said Mr. Van Hessen, who has since moved out of the township. “Usually Roger examined issues like a researcher and, at times, presented his views with a ‘professorial’ flair. Whether anyone agreed or disagreed, Roger challenged us to be better students. My heart goes out to Nanette, Roger’s friends and family. South Brunswick Township, Middlesex County and all who knew Roger have lost a leader with principles and compassion and a loyal friend.”
“With great sadness, we note the passing of Roger E. Craig Sr,, a former Chairman of this Committee,” South Brunswick Republican Municipal Committee Chairman Tonia Kulberda said in a statement on Monday. “Truly, we have lost an outstanding citizen in South Brunswick Township. He was a dedicated committeeman and public servant, and our mentor, and our dear friend.”

According to the email, family, friends and members of the community can attend a viewing Thursday, Feb. 12, at Murphy’s Funeral Home, 616 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, 45 Henderson Road in Kendall Park.