Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) has expressed his condolences following the death of Lillian G. Burry, a former Monmouth County Freeholder Director and Colts Neck Mayor. In a statement, Smith said, “My wife Marie and I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Lillian’s devoted husband and best friend—Don—and to all their family, friends and loved ones.”
Smith described Burry as “a very special woman” who will be missed. He noted his experience working with her over several years in public service roles. “Over the course of several years, I had the great honor of working with this amazing former Monmouth County Freeholder Director and Colts Neck Mayor,” Smith said.
He praised Burry’s dedication to serving others: “I admired her deep commitment to public service, her quick wit, sense of humor, courage and tenacity to get things done.” Smith highlighted her work on behalf of veterans in particular. “The lives of so many—including and especially veterans—were blessed by her work,” he said.
Smith pointed to one initiative led by Burry as an example of her impact: “Among the many examples, Lillian boldly led the effort to provide housing to homeless veterans which resulted in the Gordon Mansfield Veterans Community in Tinton Falls—a model for the nation.”
Chris Smith is currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 (https://chrissmith.house.gov/biography/). He was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and now resides in Manchester Township. Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.
