VIDEO: Late Public Works Employee Honored by Township

A veteran Toms River Public Works employee who died while on the job last month was honored by the township.

Peter "Petey" Zarestky, who worked for the township for 24-years, died on Jan. 25 of an apparent heart attack. Officials invited Zarestky's family and coworkers to remember the 52-year-old during the Township Council meeting this week.

"There wasn't anyone in Public Works who didn't like Petey," said Public Works Director Lou Amoruso. "He was a decent guy, a guy who came and did his job and loved NASCAR."

Zarestky was born in Kearny, lived in Middletown and moved to Toms River in 1969, according to his obituary on Legacy.com. In addition to following NASCAR -- especially driver Rusty Wallace -- Zarestky was a New York Giants fan.

According to his obituary, Zarestky is survived by his sister Karen and her husband Tyler Peirson; his nephew Dylan Peirson and his special sister Penny Peirson, all of Jackson; his brothers, Bruce and his wife Judy Evans of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Craig Evans of Trenton.

Donations in his memory can be made to 21 Plus Inc., 252 Washington St.