Updated: Former Parsippany Mayor John 'Jack' Fahy Dies at 83

John T. ‘Jack’ Fahy, the former mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills, died Sunday at his township home at the age of 83. The cause of death was not released.

Current Mayor James R. Barberio released a comment on Fahy's death.

"It is with much sadness that we acknowledge the passing of former Mayor Jack Fahy," the statement said. "Jack Fahy became mayor of Parsippany in 1974 and served two terms in office. It was during the time when I was a student at Parsippany Hills High School, myself aspiring to be the mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

"Jack was a good man whose accomplishments are still felt today in Parsippany," Barberio continued. "Mayor Fahy leaves behind a legacy of commitment to the people of Parsippany."

Fahy served as the town's top elected official until 1981. His administration presided over the expansion of Parsippany's Recreation Department and its programs and facilities. 

"It was under his administration that ... Green Acres funding was obtained for preservation of the Knoll Country Club & Golf Course," the present mayor recalled. "It was also during his tenure that the Parsippany Child Day Care Center was initiated and township recreation programs were expanded."

Fahy also facilitated the development of services for township seniors. Former Mayor Marceil "Mimi" Letts, who served from 1994-2006, told Patch of his commitment to providing housing and transportation for seasoned citizens.

"He was there for the start of the Brookside Senior Center," she recalled, adding that he would be missed.

Prior to that, Fahy served a term on the Township Council and was a member of the Planning Board. 

At the same time, he worked for more than 40 years as a steel contractor, retiring in 2008.

Fahy was a native of Orange and grew up in Newark. He moved to Parsippany 56 years ago.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Parle-DE 708 from 1948-1952. 

After serving in local government, Fahy continued to be involved with the community. He was a member of St. Christopher Church, a charter member of the Catholic War Veterans of St. Christopher’s Church, a member of the American Legion Post 249 in Lake Hiawatha, a former member of St. Peter the Apostle RC Church, and  a 4th Degree Knight of the Boonton Knights of Columbus.

Mayor Fahy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Leslie Fahy; sons John M. ‘Jack’ Fahy and partner Robert Anderton of Stockton and Gerald Fahy and wife Cathleen of Jefferson; brother Frank M. Fahy of Fords; sister-in-law Mary Fahy of Lake Hiawatha; grandchildren Erika, Jodi, and Dan and Kate Flynn; and two great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 292 Parsippany Road, Thursday from 4-8 p.m. A funeral service takes place at the Parsippany Road site Friday at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a 10 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Christopher Church, 1050 Littleton Road.

Fahy will be entombed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of John T. Fahy U.S.S. Parle 708 to the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, P.O. Box 1926, Albany, N.Y. 12201.