Long Branch is asking charity swim organizer for a seat on the city council

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LONG BRANCH – The City Council has asked Glen Rassas, a lifelong city resident, for the late seat Mary Jane Celli, who died last month at the age of 90 after serving on the council for 30 years.

Rassas was sworn in on Nov. 6 and will finish out the remaining year and a half in the seat held by Celli, who was first elected to the council in 1994 and served eight consecutive terms, making her the longest-serving councilor in the city after her death.

Rassas was born and raised in Long Branch and is the third generation of the Rassas family to live in Long Branch, according to city officials. He graduated from Long Branch High School in 1980 and then from Rutgers University, College of Pharmacy in 1985. He has been a registered pharmacist for 39 years and currently works at local pharmacies.

“Glen will be a tremendous asset to our council and we are proud that a lifelong Long Branch resident will serve on the council,” Council President Mario Vieira said in a prepared statement.

Rassas and his family are members of the Congregation of the Brothers of Israel. He is an active member of the community, especially organizing and running the Ray Licata Memorial Long Branch Ocean Swim from 2005-2019. This is a fundraising event co-sponsored by the Long Branch Department of Recreation to raise money to support swimmer safety at Long Branch Beach. In the 15 years he was part of the organization, more than $100,000 was raised, directly benefiting the Long Branch community and the beach, according to city officials.

“I am excited to get started and be part of the mayor and city council team that cares so much about the community here in Long Branch,” Rassas said in a prepared statement.

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel isn’t reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; [email protected].