By WILLIAM CLARK
Former Neptune Mayor Dr. Michael Brantley died Sat Jan. 6. He was 79.
He was first elected to the Township Committee in 2006 and most recently won reelection in 2021.
Brantley, a veteran and retired dentist in Neptune, was celebrated by the Committee in the form of a proclamation before the Jan. 8 committee meeting.
Mayor Tassie York read, “He will be remembered fondly by those who were lucky enough to know and love him.”
Brantley’s service to thetownship was highlighted by his tenure as mayor, deputy mayor and committeeman as well as serving on the subcommittees for Wesley Lake and Economic Development.
“My heart is really heavy right now about the loss of such a great man,” York said during her comments. “He led his community and loved his community and did all that he could for the community. I’m going to miss him.”
York said thatshe had become friends with his family and he served as her children’s dentist throughout the years.
Committeeman Nicholas Williams offered condolences for his running mate since 2012.
“I am truly humbled for the leadership he served while both mayor and committeeman and the knowledge I acquired from him,” he said. “He was truly a friend who I will never forget because of his caring for the residents of Neptune Township.”
Brantley had been ill for the last several months and had stopped attending committee meetings in June. In December Kevin McMillan, a former mayor and committeeman, was selected to fill his vacant seat.
A viewing will be held at James Hunt Funeral Home in Asbury Park Fri. , Jan. 12 from 4 to 8 p.m.