Jeff R. Dement passed Jan. 27, 2021. He was born Sept. 3, 1966 at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick.
Jeff was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy in 1984 and resided in Ocean Township, Colts Neck, Neptune and Highlands.
Jeff was a member of the International Brotherhood of Union Ironworkers, local 480. After ironworking for 20 years, Jeff began transitioning to a career that merged with his passion. Jeff was a lifelong angler who loved nature, the ocean and being outdoors. He went back to college and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in ecology and natural resources from Rutgers University-Cook College.
Upon receiving his degree, he began working at the American Littoral Society on Sandy Hook as the Fish Tagging Program Director. Jeff enjoyed his time there, especially educating young and old alike on fishing and the wonders of our natural environment. He also developed strong relationships with the community of all those who work on Sandy Hook.
Jeff loved music. He played the bass guitar and particularly enjoyed the Grateful Dead, whom he followed on the road for a period of time.
Jeff was predeceased by his father Donald Dement. He is survived by his two sons Kevin and Keith whom he dearly loved, as well as his mother, Mary Mahoney, his brother Paul (Martha) Dement and his sister Donna (Colin) Kenny.
A Memorial service will be private and is being arranged by Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, Long Branch. A livestream was available on the funeral home website Jan. 31 at wbhfh.com. A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place on Sandy Hook Friday, May 21.
Charitable donations in Jeff’s name can be made to the American Littoral Society, 18 Hartshorne Drive, Suite #1, Highlands, NJ 07732 or at littoralsociety.org. The funding will be directed toward the Captain Al Anderson Fund in support of the fish tagging program, as well as educational programming for the Littoral Society.
The article originally appeared in the February 11 – 17, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
