Former Belleville Mayor Dies, Was ‘Respected By Friend And Foe’ – Belleville, NJ Patch

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville is mourning the passing of former mayor Raymond Kimble, a U.S. military veteran and past police chief whom an Essex County peer said was “respected by friend and foe.”

Raymond Kimble, a former Belleville mayor, passed away Sunday, current mayor Michael Melham announced on social media.

“Mayor Kimble served our township with distinction for many years in various capacities,” Melham wrote. “From police officer, he rose through our ranks to become police chief. After retirement from the department, he went on to serve as public safety director and township manager. He would then serve three terms as mayor.”

Melham, who defeated Kimble in the 2018 mayoral race, said that as a young council member, he worked closely with Kimble in the days before he became mayor.

“I have asked Township Manager Iacono to place all Municipal Flags at half-staff and have mourning bunting draped across Town Hall,” Melham stated Monday. “I ask that you respect the privacy of the Kimble family at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the Kimble family. The township will provide additional details as they become available.”

Sen. Ronald Rice, who represents Nutley and other Belleville neighbors in the state’s 28th District, called Kimble a “dear friend” who dedicated his life to public service.

Rice said that he and Kimble also shared another bond – their time in the armed forces – which taught them the importance of protecting the public safety of others.

“He was a friend to all and was respected by friend and foe, regardless of political affiliation,” Rice said of Kimble. “He was always willing to reach out to others when they needed it most. Whenever I was in need, Raymond was there for me. Essex County lost a great leader and an even better person. He will be missed by all.”

According to Kimble’s obituary at the Megaro Memorial Home:

“Raymond R. Kimble of Belleville, 80, passed away on July 22, 2019.

“The funeral mass will be celebrated 11 am Thursday at St. Peters Church in Belleville. Entombment will follow in Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield. Visitation is Wednesday 4-8 pm and Thursday 9:30-10:15 am.

“Ray lived in Belleville all his life and was devoted to the Township. He graduated from Belleville High School in 1957, served in the U.S. Army for two years, graduated from William Paterson University where he earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees. Ray joined the Belleville Police Department in 1964. He rose through the ranks and became Chief of Police in 1992 and served in that capacity for five years. He then was appointed Township Manager in 1997. Later, Ray decided to run for Mayor, was elected three terms serving for twelve years. He always said he loved the job of Police Chief the best. He will be remembered for the honor, integrity, and loyalty he gave to the Township of Belleville for over 54 years.

“Ray received many awards and recognitions throughout his career from local, county, and state governing bodies and organizations. He was truly honored to have been the recipient of the Silver PBA card as well as the most prestigious Gold Card which was presented to him by State PBA Local 28 in 1994. In 2001, he was named Belleville PBA Man of the Year. In 2008, Ray was presented with the Man of the Year award by the Belleville Chapter of UNICO.

“Ray was the beloved husband of Marie (Marinaro) for 57 years. He was the cherished father of son Raymond and wife Dena, son Steven and wife Kelley, daughter Linda and husband Sean Conley, and daughter Lisa and husband John Gabriele. He was admired as a role model by his grandchildren: Angelo, Raymond, and Lucia Kimble, Hannah and Steven Kimble, Sean, Stephen, and Sonny Conley, John, Frank, and Maria Gabriele. Ray was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Elizabeth (Gilbert) Kimble and is survived by his sister Carol (Kimble) Pomponio.

“He will be remembered by his family with love for his devotion, the happy summers on LBI, and always being there for his children and grandchildren.

“Donations in memory of Ray may be made to the 2019 Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611.”

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