FORKED RIVER – Jerry J. Dasti, a well-known Ocean County attorney, civic leader, and longtime youth coach, died peacefully on October 6 surrounded by his family. He was 76.
Born in Summit on January 7, 1949, Dasti grew up in Point Pleasant as the eldest of five children. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Toms River, where he served as class president, before earning his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in 1970 and a law degree from Rutgers-Camden in 1973.
Dasti went on to build one of Ocean County’s most respected law practices as a founding partner at Dasti, McGuckin, McNichols, Connors, Anthony & Buckley. Over his decades-long career, he represented local governments across New Jersey and successfully argued several cases before the state Supreme Court. He was honored with the Fred G. Stickel Award for lifetime excellence in local government law and a service award from the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys.
Beyond his legal accomplishments, Dasti was deeply involved in public and political life. A proud Republican, he attended multiple national conventions as an honorary delegate, served as finance chairman for the Ocean County Republican Organization, and most recently was finance co-chairman for Jack Ciattarelli’s gubernatorial campaign. He also served as president of the Lacey Township Chamber of Commerce and on St. Joseph’s Endowment Committee.
A passionate advocate for youth sports, Dasti spent decades coaching soccer, basketball, and Little League in Lacey Township, mentoring generations of young athletes.
Dasti was equally devoted to his family, remembered by loved ones for his generosity, loyalty, and warmth. “He was the heart of every gathering,” his family said in a statement.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth “Liz” Dasti; his children Jerry L. (Nicholas), Matthew (Nitai), Chris (Elaine), Alex (Hillary), and Joseph (Erblina); seven grandchildren; siblings Bill, Pamela DePasquale (Joe), Charles (Susan), and Dotty Conaty (Jack); and many nieces, nephews, and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents, Jerry and Dorothy Dasti, and sister-in-law Deborah Dasti.
Visitation will be held October 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Layton’s Home for Funerals, 250 West Lacey Road in Forked River. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place October 14 at 11:45 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Avenue in Toms River.
Dasti was a longtime supporter of Ocean County College, where he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees. The family has established the Jerry J. Dasti Scholarship Fund for the Advancement of Students to honor his legacy. Donations may be sent to Ocean County College, Bursar’s Office, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754, or made online at booking.grunincenter.org/Donations
