Politics & Government

Summit Councilman Matthew Gould Dies At 48 (UPDATED)

Officials said the death was 'unexpected.'

Officials said the death of Summit Councilman Matthew Gould  was 'unexpected.'
Officials said the death of Summit Councilman Matthew Gould was 'unexpected.' (Photo courtesy of the City of Summit)

SUMMIT, NJ - The City of Summit is in mourning after the unexpected death of Ward 1 Councilman Matthew Gould on Tuesday.

Gould passed away from a heart condition at Morristown Medical Center, officials said. Gould has lived in Summit for the past 11 years and served on Summit Common Council for the past two; he was currently President pro tempore of council.

Summit Common Council President David Naidu lamented the loss of a friend.

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"I cannot express the profound sorrow I feel at the death of my good friend, Matt,” said Naidu. “Beyond my personal loss, the City of Summit has lost a person who always advocated, in public and private, for those without strong voices, who passionately believed that we can improve the lives of our fellow residents, and who optimistically faced the future. He will never be replaced."

In the wake of his passing the Summit Police Department posted their thoughts to social media.

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"On behalf of the men and women of the Summit Police Department, we’d like to extend our sincerest sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of Councilman Gould," they posted. "Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace Councilman, it was truly a pleasure to have known you."

A memorial service for Matthew Gould will be held at Congregation Ohr Shalom located at 67 Kent Place Boulevard on Friday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m.

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