Chuck Chiarello, the longtime Mayor of Buena Vista Township who was active in politics for decades, has died at the age of 64.

Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly tells The Press of Atlantic City Chiarello died Thursday night following serious health issues.

A statement from Gov. Murphy reads,

Chuck Chiarello was a mayor’s mayor and a model for what good municipal leadership could do for residents. He loved serving Buena Vista, he loved doing good things for Buena Vista, and he loved making sure we all knew to pronounce it ‘byoo-na.’ He was a respected leader among his fellow mayors, being one of only a handful to lead both the League of Municipalities and the Conference of Mayors. He was one of my earliest supporters, and he became my steadfast friend. I will miss his subtle wit and his great warmth. And, so will all of South Jersey and his colleagues from across the state.

The Press reports Chiarello was a former county party chairman in the 1990s and later became president of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the Atlantic County Mayors Association.

Kelly says a new mayor will be chosen next month.

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