Charles W. Gill, Jr., who served two terms as the Gloucester County Sheriff, died on June 5. He was 78.
He served as a police officer in Pitman and Logan before joining the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office as undersheriff under James Hogan.
When Hogan, then a Republican, decided to challenge Rep. Rob Andrews (D-Bellmawr) in New Jersey’s 1st district instead of seeking re-election in 1994, Gill ran for Sheriff.
Gill defeated Democrat Garry Moore, a Deptford police officer, by a 56%-44% margin. Republicans also won two county commissioner seats in 1994.
In 1997, Gill trounced his Democratic challenger, Bill Mead, a Marine combat veteran who served in Vietnam, 59%-41%. That came despite Democrats winning two freeholder seats, and the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, James E. McGreevey, carrying Gloucester by fourteen points against incumbent Christine Todd Whitman.
He did not seek re-election in 2000.
“Sheriff Gill dedicated years of his life to public service and to the safety and well-being of the residents of Gloucester County. His commitment to law enforcement and his community left a lasting impact on many who had the privilege of knowing and working with him,” said former Gloucester County Sheriff Jonathan Sammons. “Today, we remember his service, his leadership, and the legacy he leaves behind. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, former colleagues, and all those mourning his loss.”
Gill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gwen, his two sons, and two grandsons.
A visitation will be held at the McBride-Foley Funeral Home in Paulsboro on Friday, June 12, from 9 AM to 11 AM. A funeral service will follow.
