Colleagues Mourn Loss Of Barnegat Man Killed In Double Homicide

BARNEGAT, NJ — The community is mourning the loss of a local couple after they were slain last week.

Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew were stabbed to death last week. Their son, Michael Mulgrew, was charged with murder as a result. Read more: Murder Charges For Son Who Stabbed Parents In Barnegat: Prosecutor

Eugene Mulgrew, 71, was fondly remembered by his colleagues at the LBI Health Department.

"He was a dedicated and devoted family man, love for his wife and children was always apparent," the department shared recently.

Mulgrew had been with the department since 1982, back when it was only for Long Beach Township. When the Long Beach Island Health Department formed in 1986, "Geno" as he was known served as Senior Environmental Health Specialist.

Even after his retirement in 2004, Mulgrew continued as a seasonal part-time health inspector for the department, having just completed his 18th summer.

"He was always here to lend a hand, even off season, post Hurricane Sandy he donated his time, just one of many instances he went above and beyond," the department said.

Mulgrew was a "people person" and a "consummate professional."

"He was so adept, so quick to learn your name, remember it and make you feel comfortable in his presence," the department said. "He made it seem effortless to get to know anyone, almost regardless of circumstances and often made a connection to the countless members of our community he served."

He also trained and mentored many in the public health field.

"To say you were mentored by Mr. Mulgrew, was to know that you were trained from the best and were provided with both the knowledge and perspective to be successful," the department said.

Mulgrew was greatly respected by many, the department said.

"There will likely be many reading this following the devastating news, that were quick to recall him and that is the reflection of him, he cared about you," they said. "The department will forever remember his warm and generous spirit. We offer our deepest condolences to family and loved ones, and we ask the public to respect the privacy of any family, friends, and coworkers of the deceased."