Retired Chief, 66-Year Member Mourned By Chatham Firefighters

CHATHAM, NJ — The man remembered as Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department’s “patriarch” and “perhaps the greatest and most devoted member to ever serve,” was laid to rest on Friday.

Retired Fire Chief Otto W. Vopelius began serving with the department after moving to Chatham Township in 1953, starting with the fire department in 1955 when it was known as the Long Hill Volunteer Fire Company. He was elected as its chief in 1959 at 32, the fire department's youngest officer to have served, the department wrote in a recent tribute about Vopelius, who died at 94 in Toms River on Jan. 7.

In-person and livestream services happened for the longtime volunteer through William A Bradley & Son Funeral Homes on Friday, Jan. 14, according to his obituary.

“A veteran of the US Navy, his 66 plus years of proud service to Chatham Township residents never went unnoticed,” the Fire Department wrote in a tribute post about Vopelius.

“Selfless, Otto always put the best interests of the township and the fire department ahead of himself, assisting with our fund drive, Buildings & Grounds Committee, Annual Christmas Tree Sale, Annual Family BBQ, and most proudly being the daytime driver/operator of our ladder truck, Ladder 12," they wrote. "He was a devoted, diligent public servant and consummate professional in all he did.”

Vopelius was born in Irvington and enlisted in the Navy after Union High School, marrying his wife Dorothy after serving on the aircraft carrier USS Leyte. After they arrived to Chatham Township in 1953 and he became involved with the community and fire department, he was chief between 1959 and 1965, his obituary reported.

During his time with the fire department, he was honored as Firefighter of the Year four times and received Life-Saving and Distinguished Service Awards.

He also worked with the township’s Department of Public Works from 1957 through 1990, retiring as its Director of Municipal Development. He served on the Planning Board as its secretary and vice-chairman, worked as a special police officer. Vopelius was additionally on the Board of Directors for the Fair Mount Cemetery.

Donations in his memory to the Chatham Township Fire Department have been requested in lieu of flowers, his obituary said.

For more details, visit Vopelius’ obituary at: www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com/otto-william-vopelius-2.

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