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When the news broke via social media that a beloved member of the Asbury Park fray, albeit a Long Branch resident, had died, the words of condolences immediately began to pour in.

“My friend, this news is absolutely tragic,” John Napolitani wrote in his Facebook post. “I can not believe what happened and can not believe you’re gone. You had such an awesome group of friends, my mother included. You will be sorely missed. RIP Gerald Jerry Scarano [at right]. 

Scarano, a broker at Keller Williams Realty in Shrewsbury, owned property in Asbury Park and was a regular at the City Council and other municipal meetings. The Warren native had lived for years in New York City before moving to the Jersey Shore. He owned multiple properties in Asbury Park.

Asbury Park City Manager Michael Capabianco described Scarano as a stalwart attendee of the City Council meetings.  

And Mayor John Moor said he was devastated to hear the news.

“He was a friend,” Moor said. “He will be dearly missed by both Vera and myself.”

Scarano was known as friend, companion and chauffeur to local community elder Rita Morano.

“She is devastated,” Napolitani  said. “My mother was friendly with him and Rita, they had dinner almost every Friday.”

Napolitani said after Morano had not heard from her ‘sidekick’ for an entire day, she got someone to drive him past his Ocean Boulevard home early in the morning. Although it was dark outside, all the lights were on, which prompted her to call the Long Branch Police Department to conduct a welfare check.

Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Spokesman Charlie Webster said Near 4 p.m. Wednesday that they were waiting on an autopsy report before releasing any information.

“It’s totally devastating and its shocking,” Napolitani said. “You go into shock when you hear something like this.”

The Allenhurst resident described Scarano as a man with a big heart who was always thinking of others.

Others crafted similar sentiments on the post as well as on Scarano’s Facebook page.

“WTH damn, such a sweet guy,” one woman wrote.

“Wow! A really good guy !! Sorry to hear this,” one man wrote.

“AP Council mtgs won’t be the same w/o him,” wrote Recreation Director and Special Events Coordinator Leesha Floyd.

Napolitani said Scarano had taken on a roommate six months ago.

“Tonight is our Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean meeting and we will hold a moment of silence in his honor,” Napolitani said of Scarano, who was a long time member.

The news of Scarano passing was posted by The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office near 3:30 p.m. via social media.

“BREAKING: The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating 2 deceased occupants within a home in Long Branch. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office was notified and responded to assist Long Branch Police with the joint investigation into the deaths.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni and Long Branch Police Department Chief Jason Roebuck wanted to ensure residents and others in the area that this is an isolated incident and there is no reason to be alarmed and there is no further threat to the public.

is currently investigating 2 deceased occupants within a home in Long Branch. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office was notified and responded to assist Long Branch Police with the joint investigation into the deaths.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni and Long Branch Police Department Chief Jason Roebuck wanted to ensure residents and others in the area that this is an isolated incident and there is no reason to be alarmed and there is no further threat to the public.”

Spokesman Christopher Swendeman said near 5:30 p.m. that further details pertaining to the investigation are expected to be released Thursday.

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