He’s been a fixture in county politics for more than four decades and his name was conspicuously absent from the ballot this year in the slot of Ocean County Commissioner. Joseph H. Vicari, the longest serving freeholder/commissioner in the state, is saying farewell. He first became freeholder in 1982.

His sunset from public office however comes with many fond memories, some challenging times and a host of accomplishments. In his private life he served as a teacher of English and social studies, school supervisor, and principal at Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Brick from 1994 to 2003. He became superintendent of the Berkeley Township School District in 2003-2010 and 2011-2012.