Thomas Darmody III

Thomas Darmody, III

Forked River - Thomas R. Darmody, III, Badge #6 (Retired), 81, of Forked River passed away at his home on May 7, 2021. Mr. Darmody grew up in Upper Darby, PA and was formerly of Long Beach Township. He had resided in Forked River since 1962. Better known as the longest serving Chief of Police for Lacey Township and youngest for Ocean County, Mr. Darmody started his career as a Patrolman with the Long Beach Township Police Department in 1960. He served the Lacey Township Police Department from 1962 to 2004 moving his way through the ranks every few years with a brief absence when he toured in the US Army Military Police during the Vietnam War. During a patrol he ticketed a woman named Madlyn. They later married and had three children. In Chief Darmody's 44 years of service, he received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton University, Master's degree from Central Michigan University and graduated with the 97th Session of the FBI National Academy.

Although he was Chief of Police from 1972 until his retirement in 2004, Chief Darmody served the community in many other ways as well. Mr. Darmody was a member of the Rotary Club of Forked River where he received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in recognition of his service to the club and was a member of the Knight of Columbus and Lacey Elks. He was a lifetime member of the Ocean County Police Chiefs Association and Past President of the Southern Ocean County Police Chiefs. Mr. Darmody volunteered at the Tuckerton Seaport's wood shop restoring boats, enjoyed sailing, fishing with family and friends and traveling.

Surviving Mr. Darmody is his wife of 53 years, Madlyn Darmody, his children Thomas R. Darmody, IV and his wife Kathryn, Michael Darmody, Elizabeth Kane and her husband Bernard, all of Forked River, and his grandchildren, Colin, Madlyn, Lindsey, Finn and Caitlin along with his sister, Margaret Gallo and brother, John Darmody.

A memorial event will be held Sunday, June 6, 2021 at Riggs Funeral Home, 130 North Rt. 9, Forked River, NJ 08731. Family receiving friends 11:00-12:00 pm. Memorial Service starting at 12:00 pm. Arrangements and private cremation are under the direction of Riggs Funeral Home, 130 North Rt. 9, Forked River, NJ 08731. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Darmody's memory may be made to the Light of Day Foundation, Boxing for Bob at 100 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 or https://lightofday.org/donate