Longtime West Orange Rec Director Retires, Town Says 'Thanks' To Bill Kehoe

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A longtime municipal staffer in West Orange got a big salute from his peers this week as he heads into retirement.

Recreation Director Bill Kehoe’s retirement – which took effect Sunday – marks a bittersweet milestone for the dedicated township employee, who has served as head of the town’s recreation department since 1993.

In all, Kehoe has spent more than three decades in public service. Over the course of his tenure, he became a familiar presence to several generations of West Orange residents, helping to shape many programs that have boosted community engagement and encouraged healthy lifestyles.

Under his leadership, the recreation department expanded its offerings for youth, families, and residents of all ages – ensuring that recreation remained an essential part of the township’s quality of life, West Orange officials said.

Well-wishers including Mayor Susan McCartney and Kehoe’s colleagues in the recreation department gathered for a farewell party in his honor last Friday.

Ed Johnson is taking up the mantle of interim director of recreation in the wake of Kehoe’s retirement.

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