LAKEWOOD – The Lakewood Township Committee mourns the passing of Craig Thiebault, a longtime Lakewood resident and public servant; and offer sincerest condolences to his loving wife Gina, his son Chase, daughter Chelsey, her husband Alex, and their children Chloe and Callie.
Just over two weeks ago, Lakewood Township dedicated the “Thiebault Family Garden” in Pine Park in honor of Craig and his family.
Craig’s Lakewood ancestry traces back to the Rockefeller era. Craig spent decades as a powerful positive force in local government, serving on the Lakewood Shade Tree Commission, Municipal Utilities Authority, and leading local Republican Party activities.
Mayor Ray Coles said, “On the surface, our friendship seemed unlikely at best. When we first met, Craig was president of the Lakewood Republican Club while I was president of the Lakewood Democratic Club. Rather than focus on our differences, we bonded over our shared lives, our families, good music and, soon enough, our common service to Lakewood Township. Craig will be sorely missed, and we will always remember and aim to abide by his principles of public service.”
Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller said, “Craig’s strong Lakewood roots were always evident in his commitment to make Lakewood a better place. It has been an honor to work together with him for decades, and it is with a combination of pain and awe that we honor his memory today.”
Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes said, “My husband and I counted Craig as ‘family’ for decades, in addition to his extraordinary friendship to Lakewood as a whole. We deeply mourn Craig’s untimely passing but take solace in the fact that we’ve established the beautiful Garden as an eternal tribute to his memory. It is a place where Lakewood residents will sit, reflect, and enjoy for many years to come.”
Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said, “Unfortunately, we were all saddened by the news that Craig is no longer with us. At the same time, his positive imprint on so many areas of Lakewood life is indelible. In particular, Craig’s influential role in maintaining and beautifying Lakewood’s green spaces continues to bear fruit.”
Committeeman Isaac Akerman said, “I will always remember Craig as a man of peace. His presence in the room was always a powerful force for effective cooperation among the political turmoil that can be found in government. Our continuation down this harmonious path in public service is a most powerful tribute to Craig’s legacy.”
