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Tribute Tree in the Honor of Mayor Peter Donoghue
July 30, 1940 – February 2, 2022
The Shade Tree Commission from time to time votes to dedicate a tree in the name of an individual to be recognized for their community service and dedication to the Borough of Atlantic Highlands. Candidates for this award can be nominated by any Atlantic Highlands resident or business.This year’s nomination goes to Mayor Peter Donoghue.
Peter Donoghue was born in Montclair, New Jersey, but lived most of his life in Atlantic Highlands, since 1948. One of his first jobs in town was as a paperboy delivering for the Atlantic Highlands Journal. After graduating from Atlantic Highlands High School in 1958, Peter went on to do many more things for his town, his country and his family. An Army veteran and member of the C. Eugene Allen American Legion Post 141, he worked for 36 years in journalism, 30 years at The Asbury Park Press, retiring in 1999. He was elected mayor of Atlantic Highlands in 2004.
Peter served the town in many other ways as well. A long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlantic Highlands and church choir, he was involved with administrative duties at the church too. He was also a member of the Highlands Community Singers and served as its master of ceremonies. He delivered Meals on Wheels, portrayed Santa Claus at the Atlantic Highlands Public Library, and if you happened to bump into him around town, he always had a story to share about the borough and its history.
- Six years on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education
- Six years on the Atlantic Highlands Borough Council
- Atlantic Highlands Mayor (2004-2008)
- As Mayor founded the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council
- As Mayor approved a Fireworks Committee for Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair
- Borough Council President
- Harbor Commission member
- Henry Hudson Regional School Board President
- Founder of the HHRS Board Newsletter
- Delegate to N.J. School Boards Association
- Co-founder of the HHRS Booster Club
- Instrumental in completing the Atlantic Highlands Henry Hudson trail in town
- Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge Counselor
- Cub Scout Pack 22 chairman
- Boy Scout Troop 22 committee member
- BSA National God & Service Award - Programs of Religious Activities w/Youth
- Managing and Night Editor, Asbury Park Press
- Recipient of the Asbury Park Press’ Ernest W. Lass Award for Community Service
Mayor Donoghue's tree can be found at 40.41623N by 74.03071W, near First Avenue and Sutton Walk.
