Captain Dellane pictured in an older photo with his three sons. Left to right. Captain Dellane, Current Police Chief Thomas Dellane (Stafford) Sergeant Jimmy Dellane (Retired Manchester) Lieutenant Patrick Dellane (Toms River) (Photo: TRPD)
Harry J. Dellane was a “one of a kind” police officer who was dedicated to Toms River’s families as well as his, police said today, marking his passing, which occurred Tuesday.
Dellane, 78, is survived by a wife and five children – three of whom became fellow law enforcement officers, including Thomas Dellane, the current Stafford Township police chief.
“Harry was most happy when surrounded by his family, especially during weekly Sunday dinners, holidays, and family vacations,” an obituary said.
Dellane was born in Newark on April 21, 1938, grew up in Belleville and lived in Toms River for 51 years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force with assignments in Japan and Bangor, Maine, his obituary said. He was a Dover Township-Toms River police officer for 29 years, retiring as captain in 1992. He was the first K-9 officer in Dover Township. Harry also taught for many years at both Ocean and Burlington County Colleges. He obtained degrees from OCC, Trenton State College and Rider University.
“Harry was a one of a kind man with a marvelous sense of humor,” said Stocco. “He was a wonderful husband and an endearing family patriarch whose larger than life personality provided us with stories, memories and laughter to cherish for years to come,” the obituary continued.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Rita, and his grandson Michael Lumpkins. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Fitzpatrick), 5 children: Debbie and husband, Horace Lumpkins; Harry and husband, Gerd; Jimmy and wife Deirdre; Tom and wife Sherry; and Patrick and wife Patty; grandchildren Nicole Dempsey (Pete), Ryan, Jimmy, Emily, Danny, Erin and Patrick Dellane; great grandchildren Kevin and Nolan Dempsey and his cousin, Arlene Whyte.
