COLTS NECK – Lillian G. Burry left behind decades of public service and scores of people touched by her leadership.
The 89-year-old passed away on August 28.
Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone said she led “with grace, determination, and a fierce commitment to making our county the best it could be.”
He described how she passionately advocated for local history, military service members, and the county library system.
“Her impact on the county was inspiring, and we are grateful for her numerous contributions,” he said.
Burry once spoke of confidence and courage to a group of 400 guests at an event where she was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in 2016. This was one of many awards she won over the years.
“Do we have enough courage to make a decision based on merit, without fearing the disapproval of others if our choices fail to coincide with their desires? And is our character strong enough to make the right decision and stand by it?” she asked the girls in the room.
During her time on the Matawan Borough Council, she was lauded for environmental efforts – preserving wetlands and fighting the Imperial Oil Company after they dumped in Burnt Fly Bog. After moving to Colts Neck, she served three terms as a committeewoman, and also served as mayor.
She was elected to the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders in 2005. She was the first woman to serve as director of the board. Recently, the term “freeholders” was changed to “commissioners” statewide. She chose not to run for re-election in 2023.
She worked with the Soldier On organization in founding a home for homeless veterans that opened in November, 2021. They named a wing after her.
County clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon said “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Lillian Burry, a pioneer in Monmouth County as a female elected official and an inspiration to the Monmouth County Republicans.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to not only serve Monmouth County as clerk at the same time Lillian served as commissioner (and freeholder), but also for having the privilege of running alongside her during my last re-election campaign,” she said. “My thoughts are with the Burry family and everyone mourning this loss. Rest in peace, Lillian. You will never be forgotten.”
In her private life, she worked in real estate for 40 years.
According to the obituary, she is survived by her husband of 70 years, Donald L. Burry; her daughter, Lenore Manicioto and her husband Robert Burns of Atlantic Highlands; her sister Alba DiBello and her husband Patrick of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren Stephanie Manicioto and her partner James, Vito Manicioto and his wife Pamela; and great-grandchildren Luca, Lorenzo and Rocco.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at Colts Neck Reformed Church, 139 Rt 537, Colts Neck. Burial will follow at Atlantic Cemetery, Colts Neck.
In lieu of flowers, at the family’s request donations can be made to Colts Neck Reformed Church.
