It is with great sadness that we announce Medford Lakes Mayor Robert D. Hanold Sr. passed away peacefully early this morning. He would have been 77 in February. He battled a rare neuroendocrine cancer for the past 4 years.
Robert D. Hanold Sr. “Bob” was orphaned at 4 years old and attended Girard College as a young man. Bob owned his own service station as a young adult in the 1960’s where the Cherry Hill Mall stands today. Later in life he built a successful family business and always strove to help the less fortunate. He joined the Medford Lakes Lions club 45 years ago in May 1976. He served on every committee and board position with the exception of treasurer and secretary. He was King Lion in 1985-86, Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor. He founded the Food Wagon and ran many of its events, and also founded the Palm Sunday Breakfast fundraiser. In 2000, he was made a Life Member of the club by the Board of Directors and remained extremely active even in his final days with support and funding toward the Lions Lodge that bears his name. Bob was also a Master Mason of Medford F&AM Lodge #178.
Bob was a member and helped develop the original Medford Lakes Planning Board many years ago. After retiring from his family business, he continued to help and serve the community being elected to Medford Lakes Borough Council in 2010. He was elected to two more four year terms and has served as Mayor since 2020. He was a true Laker and will be missed.
A memorial service will be announced later this year.
