Toms River Schools Pay Tribute To Farley

The Toms River Regional Board of Education paid tribute Wednesday night to Terry Farley, remembering the former assistant Ocean County prosecutor as a gentleman and a tireless fighter in the war on drugs.

The school board paused for a moment of silence Wednesday night for Farley, who died Oct. 31 at the age of 72. Farley was a former first assistant prosecutor whose focus and passion became fighting drug addiction, not only through law enforcement but through awareness and prevention programs.

Superintendent David M. Healy, who asked those in attendance to pause for the moment of silence, praised Farley’s efforts and his impact within the Toms River district. Farley was honored by the district in the fall of 2014 for his work with the schools.

“Terry was very much at the forefront,” Debra McKenna, assistant superintendent of schools, said. “We have had longstanding transition forums for elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school, and he was very instrumental in the onset of those.”

“The legacy he leaves is to provide a safe community for our children,” said board member Ben Giovine, who shared personal memories of growing up knowing Farley and having Farley’s influence for good in his life.

“Just about everyone in this room knows someone, has a family member, has a friend, has a friend who has a son or daughter who is battling this disease (of addiction),” Giovine said, and Farley was tireless in his efforts to spread awareness and fight drugs. “I appreciate the board taking time to have a moment of silence for him.”

“Your words are heartfelt because you personally knew him,” Board President Joseph Torrone said in reply to Giovine, thanking him for the remarks. Torrone noted that while he had not known Farley as long, “I was always impressed with his work to help this community.”

“We will miss him,” McKenna said.