OCEAN COUNTY – There was no mistaking what John Bartlett loved, even if you only knew him professionally.

He loved Ocean County Parks.

He loved Ocean County College.

He loved finding ways to save taxpayer money and get other organizations and agencies to help bear the financial burden.

He disliked the roads in Monmouth County.

He loved his family. He loved his fellow Freeholders and county employees, and when you listened to them all speak, you knew John Bartlett considered them family too.

A lifelong resident, he loved Ocean County.

He was a mentor and friend to so many, and when John Bartlett said something, he meant it.

The county on Wednesday lost a man who loved it so very much.

The details are few right now, but it was reported that John C. Bartlett Jr. died early Wednesday morning. The longest-serving county Freeholder in the State of New Jersey was 71.

Jersey Shore Online extends its deepest sympathies to the Bartlett and Ocean County families at Mr. Bartlett’s loss.

Look for more coverage on the legacy of Mr. Bartlett in the coming days.