Dunellen Councilman Harold E. Vandermark, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the aircraft carrier USS America during the Cold War era, died on Thursday after an illness. He was 67.
“Hal always gave his heart and soul to the Dunellen community, bringing with him a willingness to listen, a firm desire to see our Miracle Mile become all it could be, and a deep love for all who call it home,” said Mayor Jason Cilento. “Throughout his life, he had an unbreakable commitment to service, from his country to his town to his neighbors.”
Vandermark was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Dunellen Borough Council in 2021, and won a special election in 2022 for a one-year unexpired term after defeating Democrat Ryne DeBo by 227 votes, a 57%-43% margin.
He won a three-year term in 2023 as the top vote-getter on a ticket with Republican Crisol-Iris Lantz – they combined for over 59% of the vote– and outpolled Democrats Rebecca Androwski and Jessica Dunne by 259 and 261 votes, respectively.
A Jersey City native, Vandermark enlisted in the Navy after high school. Later, he and his family moved to Dunellen, where he became active in youth sports and in local civic matters. A small businessman, Vandermark served on the Dunellen Downtown Management Organization and the Dunellen Arts & Culture Commission, and was a regular attendee at borough council meetings.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elizabeth, and his two children.
Dunellen Republicans will appoint an interim successor. His seat is up in November 2026.
