Longtime Aberdeen Township Clerk Karen Ventura Retires

ABERDEEN, NJ — On Monday, Aberdeen Township said goodbye and good luck to one of its most beloved employees, as town clerk Karen Ventura retires.

Ventura has been the Aberdeen town clerk for the past 20 years, since 2001.

Although Ventura's official last day is Jan. 31, the Township formally said goodbye at the most recent council meeting, where she was given roses.

“It’s just the truth; you’ve been simply outstanding. Thank you for all you’ve done for me," said Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini.

Councilman Greg Cannon reflected back to when he first became a Councilman, and said Ventura taught him how municipal government works.

Township Manager Bryan Russell said she is his “go to."

“Karen made my first two years here easier by all the help she gave me; I will never forget the times you carried me when I was down," said Russell.

"Thank you for being there for us, we always knew you were a call or text away," said Councilwoman Margaret Montone. "Enjoy your retirement; we are going to miss you."

The new Aberdeen town clerk is Melissa Pfeifer.

“If I could do one one hundredth of what you accomplished over my tenure here, I will consider that a success," said Pfeifer.

In her retirement, Ventura said she and her husband Tony plan to move to Hilton Head, South Carolina to enjoy the warm weather and "play golf as often as possible."

Ventura was in tears accepting the roses. "It’s been an outstanding pleasure; there is not one day I didn’t want to come to work. I just love you all so much," she said.