By Tom Mongelli
Family, friends and colleagues today remember Peter Cassano as a nurturing spirit who infused the Township Council with a spirit at once humane and urbane. Cassano lost a lengthy struggle with cancer Friday at age 76.
The former banking executive died at his home in the township's Lake Ridge section, where he settled for the past 13 years. The Brooklyn native had lived 30 years in Edison, building a career as a banking executive and taking an active role in Middlesex County politics. He served on the Dover Township (later Toms River) Board of Adjustment before winning an at-large Council seat in 2007, ascending along with Mayor Thomas Kelaher.
"He not only brought some level of expertise, but a very warm personality and a good sense of humor," Kelaher said. The two shared common ground as military veterans who served during the Korean conflict.
"Pete was the kind of guy who had that sense of loyalty," Kelaher reflected. "If he was with you, he was with you one-hundred percent."
Cassano was also a trustee and ecumenical minister at St. Luke's Parish in Toms River, where his funeral takes place Wednesday. He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Catherine. He is survived by a son, five daughters and sons-in-law, a brother-in-law and a living companion.
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