One arm still in a cast, John Mego was sworn in as first deputy fire chief in January 2010, three weeks after he was struck by a vehicle while working as a school crossing guard. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
[UPDATE: Obituary and service information added below.]
Former Red Bank Fire Chief John Mego has died, Mayor Pasquale Menna said Friday morning.
John Mego at Red Bank’s Veterans Day ceremony in 2015. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
The Borough of Red Bank mourns the death of former Chief of the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department, my friend, Chief John Mego. My condolences and that of all in Red Bank are extended to the children and grandchildren of the Chief and to members of the Department and Relief Engine Company.
John was connected with me and my family by bonds of marriage and friendship. We shall all miss his quiet kindness and goodness. He was totally dedicated to our volunteers.
A longtime Red Bank school maintenance worker, Mego served as a school crossing guard in retirement. In 2009, he was seriously injured when struck by a vehicle while working his post at Maple Avenue and Peters Place.
Three weeks later, a broken arm still in a cast, he was sworn in as first deputy chief of the all-volunteer fire department. He served as chief of the department in 2011.
Here’s the full obituary:
John James Mego Sr, age 75, of Red Bank, died peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, February 27, 2020. John was a lifelong resident of Red Bank. He had a love for this town where he was a member of the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department for 55 years and an Ex-Fire Chief out of the Relief Engine Co.
He is predeceased by his wife of 45 years Elizabeth Mego, daughter Margaret Mego-Cooper, sisters Helen, Irene, Rio, Patsy, Gigi & Peggy and parents William Sr & Margaret Mego. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law William Jr & Loretta Mego of Howell, children John Jr & Angela Mego of North Carolina, Michael Mego of Red Bank, Carol & Frank Campanella of Delran and Patricia & Michael Zilly of Tinton Falls, grandchildren Evan Mego, Kristina & Kevin Maysonet, Michael & Hilary Zilly, Melinda & Brian Silva, David Zilly & Karly Bais, Kaitlyn Zilly & Otto Kerler, a great grandchild Noah and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be Monday, March 2, from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM with a Fireman’s Service being held at 7:30 PM at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. There will be a prayer service Tuesday, March 3, at 10:30AM at the funeral home, followed by a Fireman’s procession through Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jason’s Dreams for Kids, 20 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
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One arm still in a cast, John Mego was sworn in as first deputy fire chief in January 2010, three weeks after he was struck by a vehicle while working as a school crossing guard. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
John Mego at Red Bank’s Veterans Day ceremony in 2015. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
