Obituary of Michael Joseph Cherney

Michael Joseph Cherney, 65, of Howell passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday November 23, 2020.

Michael served as a police officer in Old Bridge Township for 26 years. After retiring from the police department, he worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency serving disaster survivors, a position he held at the time of his passing. He volunteered for a number of years as a youth football, baseball and basketball coach and sports official. 

His greatest joys were spending time with those who mattered most to him, sharing a meal, and watching a great game. His unique sense of humor and calm temperament were contagious to anyone he interacted with on a personal or professional level. He lived by the philosophy of leaving things better than he found them.

Michael was predeceased by his parents Rudolph and Anne Cherney. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Diane (Cusanelli) Cherney, son Keith Cherney and his wife, Katie, of Toms River and their children; Luke, Jack, and Julia; daughter, Erin Cherney of Brooklyn; siblings Rudolph Cherney and wife, Kathryn, Thomas Cherney and wife, Monica, Anna Brienza and husband, Joe, Francis Cherney and wife, Joyce, Robert Cherney and wife, Denise, Theresa Brown and husband, John; nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

In light of current COVID-19 conditions, a gathering of friends and family and a Celebration of Life will be conducted at a later date. For information, to check for future arrangements, or to leave a condolence message for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support and asks that, in lieu of flowers, you donate in Michael’s honor to Toms River East Little League, P.O. Box 635, Toms River, NJ, 08753 or Old Bridge PBA Local 127, PO Box 181, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 which were organizations dear to him.