E. Hanover Man's Death 'A Real Loss to the Community'

Many in East Hanover remained "shocked" Monday following the death of a lifelong resident who was killed Saturday by an alleged drunk driver in front of his family business.

Ralph Politi Jr., 49, was killed Saturday when a Parsippany woman who was  just outside his auto parts business at 30 Ridgedale Ave. 

East Hanover Township Administrator Joseph Tempesta said the loss is tough for the community to bear.

"Our hearts go out to his wife and their two girls," he said. "And our prayers go to his father and mother and to his [seven] sisters and brother."

, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said Monday. Other charges filed against Brown include driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain her lane, driving with unsafe tires and driving an unregistered vehicle.

For the community Politi left behind, the concern is less about Brown than it is about dealing with the sudden loss.

Employees at Politi Auto Parts told Patch they were still in shock over what one called "a very big loss."

He also owned nearby All Jersey Garage Door.

Politi, born in Orange, was a lifelong resident of the town. He was a successful business owner who, in his spare time served on the board of the Hanover Park Regional High School District, was president of the East Hanover Community Partnership, volunteered for the East Hanover Recreation Department girls softball league and was a long time member of the Brooklake Country Club and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. 

He was also a family man devoted to his wife, Rosemarie, and to their twin daughters, Dana and Danielle.

"Ralph was a great guy," Tempesta said. "This is a real loss to the community."