Seaside Heights Mourns Longtime Resident, Firefigher

Candle. (Photo: Shawn Carpenter/Flickr)

Residents of Seaside Heights were reflecting on good memories – and an extraordinary sense of dedication – of a longtime resident who died this week.

Robert T. Iasillo, 90, was remembered as a dedicated borough employee and member of its fire department – as well as a mentor and guiding voice in the community.

“When I was a young boy, he guided me in the fire company,” said Mayor Anthony Vaz. “He taught us young guys how to handle a hose, when not to go in and how to protect yourself. He was a real gentleman.”

---

Get Daily Island News Updates Your email address:* Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

Iasillo died Wednesday. Born in Englewood, he had been a resident of Seaside Heights since 1946 and worked as a foreman for the town’s Department of Sanitation. He was also a past Deputy Chief in the Seaside Heights Fire Department, a member of the American Legion and an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church of Seaside Heights.

Earlier in his life, Iasillo served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

“He always gave his heart to his town and the fire department, and we’re going to miss him as part of our family,” said borough Councilman Richard Tompkins.

Predeceased by his wife Carol Anne, he is survived by his son Robert T. Jr. and his wife Barbara, of Bayville, grandaughter Barbara Anne Iasillo, grandson Robert T Iasillo III and his wife Kim, and great-granddaughter Emma Iasillo, as well as his sister Dorothy McKinney.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Monday, April 11, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River. A funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday 10 a.m. at our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, Seaside Heights. Committal will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, NJ.

Donations may be made to the Seaside Hghts Fire Co., PO Box 386, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751.