Reaction to Death of Former Atlantic County/EHT, NJ Official Tells All

You can tell the true measure of a man by the public reaction to the news of his passing.

When word quickly spread yesterday afternoon about the passing of John Carman, the reaction was both voluminous and universally heartfelt.

Carman is a former Atlantic County, New Jersey Freeholder and Egg Harbor Township Committeeman.

There are so many comments that have been posted on social media … that it is impossible to share them all.

It is clear that Carman’s many contributions to his community are beyond what anyone could have imagined.

Here is just a sampling of the public comments about the life and death of John Carman.

First, are comments that were written to Cherie Burgan on her Facebook page. Burgan is Carman’s daughter and a Captain of the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.

Krystle Torres wrote: “I am so sorry for your loss.. I have no words to help heal this pain but I can absolutely offer up my love and prayers to you all. God bless you and your family in this difficult time.”

Michelle Fromal London write, “Cherie, we are so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He is no longer in pain and we wish you find some comfort and peace in that. Your Dad will always be a part of you and will continue to live through you, Hazel, and Vaughn. We are here for you.”

Tamika Gilbert-Floyd wrote, “The Floyd's love you and your family we are praying - we are so sorry.. I will muss seeing him at Town and Country.”

Christy Manley McAvaddy wrote: “So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and always had the biggest smile. He will truly be missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.”

Jessica Adamson wrote: “I know there are no words that will help. But know we are all here if you need anything. Love and prayers to you and your family.”

Bj Betty Jean Gray wrote: “Cherie Burgan & Jo we are so saddened to hear the passing of John. Nothing we can say will heal the pain. Cherish all of your memories to last a lifetime. You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Much Love BJ & Tina.”

Carol N Goloff wrote: “John was a very loyal friend, a generous neighbor, and most importantly, dedicated to his family. We lost one of the truly good ones today.”

Daniel Mitchell Jr. wrote: Cherie Burgan, Courtney and I are so saddened to hear this. I am forever grateful for the years of friendship and support I received from your Dad. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your father will be greatly missed but we are so blessed to have known him.”

Atlantic County Republican Party Chairman Don Purdy said:

“We went back a long time my friend. You did so much for so many people. Your tough guy look with your leather jacket and motorcycle never fooled anybody we all knew that you had a huge heart. Now ours is broken heart. It is particularly your fault that I am in this mess we call politics. Till we meet again my friend ride safe up there. Please look after all of us. THIS ONE HURTS,” said Purdy.

Commander Bill Butler, the long-time Commander of The American Legion Post # 352 said:

“I’m totally shocked ...... John was a great friend my bunky at Rolling Thunder in DC ..... such a loss to Post 352 Riders... Thank you John..... My condolences to Jo and family,” said Butler.

We’ve saved Carman’s fellow Legion Rider Michael Merlino for last, who wrote:

“This is very difficult. There are many people who walk through your life but not so many leave an indelible impression. He's a friend, a client, a brother (it's a biker thing that throws out the blood is thicker then water bs). When a lot of your life is spent serving others in the political field you bring much to the public eye. That was John Carman, just as being a husband, father, grandfather brought joy to his family. There was another side, one that his fellow riders got to see daily as he advocated for the men and women whose sacrifices give us our every freedom and liberty. John didn't take this lightly. I'm sure he was as ardent a worker, as a union carpenter, but in retirement his love for his country and those veterans took a precedence. Only a grandchild's event could keep him from a Rider's event. I love that man. Whatever ego he had he kept out of view. He was humble, dignified, and a man's man. We, the men who rode side by side with him, were better for knowing him. I thank God for our friendship and I know he is with his dad and his Father, who, for some reason, needed him there rather then here. God bless brother, until that day! - said Merlino.

Then, Michael Merlino expressed his deep feelings about Carman in photos:

The outpouring from the community about John Carman has been profound to witness.

It tells you all that you need to know about the life that John Carman lived.