Arthur M. Haney Prominent figure in Middlesex County as Old Bridge mayor, appointed official, freeholder, GOP chairman; had broad influence on civic and political life across four decades, 'his accomplishments were many' Arthur Michael Haney, former mayor of Old Bridge Township and Middlesex County freeholder, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, with his family at his side. He was 70 years old. Arthur was born in Jersey City, N.J., on Nov. 21, 1947, the eldest of three children of Arthur and Barbara (nee McDonough) Haney. He was predeceased by his parents. Art was the devoted husband of Carol Ann, married 49 years and together for over 50 years; loving father to Sean and his wife, Cindy Haney, Carolyn Haney-Kimock and her husband, J. Thomas Kimock; loving brother of Barbara and her husband Robert Betz, and John Haney; devoted grandfather to his granddaughters Erin and Emily Haney, Carolann and Cecelia Kimock; caring brother-in-law, loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews who filled his heart with joy, and a cherished loved one to countless cousins, family and friends whom he adored. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at Thanksgiving, and with his family and granddaughters at Walt Disney World, which brought him tremendous joy. He was a graduate of St. Peter's College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and as a certified tax assessor for the State of New Jersey. Art had over 40 years of experience in government service, elected and appointed office, including 12 years as the executive director of the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority. He also concurrently gained over 32 years of industry experience in management and sales in the plastics, mold-making, and steel industries. Even with early and continued success in his business career, he had a passion for helping others and his passion took root soon after moving to Old Bridge with his family in the early 1970's. He served in numerous volunteer and civic roles, first as a volunteer manager/ coach in the Sayrewoods South Little League (1978 - 83) and Old Bridge Soccer League (1978 - 83), and was a cherished member of the Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh (1976 - present), member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6424, St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church (1983 - present), and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Old Bridge Lodge 2229 (1983 - present). Art held numerous appointed offices from 1976 to the present, beginning with his service on the Old Bridge Township Industrial Commission, as well as the Old Bridge Township Transportation Committee, Sewerage Authority, and Planning Board, the Middlesex County School Board of Estimate; he was also commissioner, Middlesex County Board of Taxation, for 20 years. He was presently serving as the chairman of the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority and chairman of the Old Bridge Redevelopment Agency. He was an engaged and active Republican throughout his years of service, most recently proudly serving as the chairman of the Old Bridge Republican Party. Art was most notably known as mayor, Old Bridge Township (1988 - 1991), and held numerous other elected offices. Before his service as mayor, he was elected Councilman, Old Bridge Township, serving two terms (1984 - 1987) and after his service as mayor, he was elected Middlesex County Freeholder (1992 - 1994). Art dedicated his life to serving his family and community and lived a faith focused life as an active parishioner of St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church. He became involved in public service and politics not for the glory or recognition, but to help his neighbors and community. He was gifted with a sharp intellect, charming smile, magnetic presence, wonderful wit, and cheerful disposition. His oratory and storytelling were powerful, but he needed no words - his actions alone spoke volumes. His work ethic was incomparable. He lived life fully, never afraid of a new challenge or the possibility of failure. Always willing to give his best to a worthy cause, he was humble in his success and dignified in defeat. Art was admired and respected for his thoughtful leadership, pragmatic approach, and skillful ability to build consensus and achieve lasting results - most notably, the creation of the Old Bridge Public Library during his tenure as mayor, and his stewardship of the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority, which brought advancements establishing it as one of New Jersey's safest and technologically advanced water and wastewater providers. Because of his consistent focus on fiscal responsibility, thoughtful land use and planning, and good government, his accomplishments were many and the community stronger for it. All are invited to visit at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, N.J. 08857 on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. for the viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge, N.J. 08857. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington, N.J. 07031. In lieu of flowers, contributions may also be made in Arthur's memory to The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at www.cinj.org/giving or The Rutgers University Foundation - CINJ, 120 Albany Street, Tower One, Suite 305, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, or to the at www.donatenow.heart.org/ or The , PO Box 417005, Boston MA 02241-7005.