Obituary of Dr. Harry R. Carter

Dr. Harry R. Carter, 74, passed away on June 17, 2022 following a two year battle with brain cancer. Harry was born in Neptune Township, NJ and grew up in Freehold. Following graduation from Southern Freehold Regional High School in 1965, Harry joined the United States Air Force and served in Alaska, the Philippines, Vietnam and Arkansas serving as a Fire Protection Specialist. Harry entered the N.J. National Guard in 1976 and served as the State Fire Marshall. He retired from the Inactive Army Reserve in 2007. In 1972, Harry married his high school girlfriend, Jacalyn Miller and moved to Adelphia joining the Howell Township Fire Company # 1 aka Adelphia. He committed over 45 years to the volunteer company while serving as a Life Member, Ex-Chief, Chaplain and Fire Commissioner. Harry fulfilled a life-long dream joining the Newark Fire Department in 1973 where he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief and retired in 1999. In addition, Harry was a Municipal Fire Consultant, author of numerous books and wrote thousands of articles to educate the fire service members. Harry was an active member of many fire related organizations throughout his life. Harry became an instructor, leader, mentor, contributing editor, President, Life Member and role model to many. Harry was a bow-tie loving larger than life man who has an impact on many lives throughout the country. He loved playing his tuba, long drives in his car or sitting on the front porch smoking his cigars but spent many hours in his La-Z-Boy recliner watching the NY Giants. He was an active member of the Colts Neck Reformed Church as well as a Past Master at the Ocean Lodge No. 89, F. & AM. Harry is survived by his wife Jacalyn of 50 years and their three children; daughters Ellen C. Malloy, Freehold, Kathleen A. Carter, Howell and son the Rev. H. Todd Carter, Neptune along with his three grandchildren Colin, Travis and Zoe. Also, his brother Robert A. Carter, Toms River. Viewing hours will be on Sunday, June 26 from 2-6 pm. Masonic Service will be held at 4:45 pm and Firemen’s Service at 5 pm. Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 27 at 10 am. Both will be at Higgins Memorial Home at 20 Center Street in Freehold, NJ. Interment will follow at the Adelphia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Colts Neck Reformed Church in Colts Neck, NJ or Puzzle Pieces Squared Organization supporting families with autism.