Freeholders: Sam Christopher Set Benchmark For Local Journalists

The Ocean County Board of Freeholders released the following statement on the death of Sam Christopher, who left his mark on local journalism through decades of work in Ocean County.

The former owner of the Lakewood Times and enduring presence in the Ocean County Observer died Monday at age 87. Services are Thursday and Friday.

The freeholders’ statement reads:

“It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Sam Christopher, the patriarch of Ocean County journalists.

For nearly eight decades Sam was a fixture not only in Lakewood but at events throughout Ocean County. His fairness and balanced reporting remain a benchmark for all journalists.

His intuitive reporting and nose for news made Sam’s columns a must-read for elected officials. He combined an unmatched understanding of local politics with a flair for writing that always made a Sam Christopher piece stand out.

Whether he covered a baseball game, a board of education meeting, a tragic fire or a local festival, his words gave all of our residents a better appreciation of what was happening in their communities.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sam’s family. He will be missed.”

• Read more: Sam A. Christopher, ‘Dean Of Ocean County Journalists,’ Dies At 87