Retired Toms River Police Captain Dellane, 'Larger Than Life,' Dies at 78

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Toms River Police Department and the Ocean County law enforcement community are remembering retired Toms River Capt. Harry J. Dellane. Dellane, 78, died Tuesday, Dec. 13 in Galloway, according to his obituary.

Dellane was a police officer in Dover Township/Toms River for 29 years before retiring in 1992, and he was followed into law enforcement by his sons Thomas, who is the current police chief in Stafford; Jimmy, who is a retired Manchester sergeant; and Patrick, who is a lieutenant in the Toms River force. He was the first K-9 officer in Dover Township, according to his obituary on the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home website.

Dellane was vacationing in Galloway with his wife of 56 years, Barbara, at the time of his death, according to his obituary.

Dellane was born in Newark on April 21, 1938, and grew up in Belleville. He lived in Toms River for 51 years. Dellane proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force with assignments in Japan and Bangor, Maine. He also taught for many years at both Ocean and Burlington County College. He obtained degrees from OCC, Trenton State College and Rider University.

Dellane was most happy when surrounded by his family, especially during weekly Sunday dinners, holidays, and family vacations, according to his obituary. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Rita, and his grandson Michael Lumpkins. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Fitzpatrick); five children: Debbie and husband, Horace Lumpkins; Harry and husband, Gerd; Jimmy and wife Deirdre; Tom and wife Sherry; and Patrick and wife Patty; grandchildren Nicole Dempsey (Pete), Ryan, Jimmy, Emily, Danny, Erin and Patrick Dellane; great grandchildren Kevin and Nolan Dempsey, and his cousin, Arlene Whyte.

"Harry was a one-of-a-kind man with a marvelous sense of humor," his obituary said. "He was a wonderful husband and an endearing family patriarch whose larger than life personality provided us with stories, memories and laughter to cherish for years to come."

Family and friends may call on Friday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Road, Toms River. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Avenue, Toms River; arrive at the funeral home 8:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Toms River. www.silvertonmemorial.com.

Capt. Harry Dellane pictured in an older photo with his three sons. Left to right. Captain Dellane, Stafford Police Chief Thomas Dellane; retired Manchester Sgt. Jimmy Dellane; and Toms River Lt. Patrick Dellane. Photo provided by the Toms River Police Department