Boonton Councilman Cy Wekilsky Dies at 89 After Narrow Re-election Win

Cy Wekilsky, a veteran of local politics who served as both councilman and mayor in Boonton Township, died last night following an illness. He was 89 years old at the time of his passing. His death marks the end of a public service career that spanned more than four decades.

Wekilsky secured his final election victory on November 5, 2024, by defeating Democrat Melissa DiSalvo with a margin of just one vote. The race was initially tied before a recount confirmed Wekilsky's win with a tally of 645 to 644.

He had held local office in Boonton on and off since 1980, starting his tenure as a school board member from 1980 to 1988. He later won a seat on the Board of Aldermen before the governing body switched its name to town council in 2021.

A Long History of Local Leadership

Wekilsky served as mayor of Boonton from 2006 until 2015, when he lost his bid for re-election to Matthew DiLauri by twenty percentage points. He returned to the governing body in 2016 as an alderman and continued serving through his recent term.

Councilman Benjamin Weisman described Wekilsky's history of public service as remarkable with a long-lasting impact on the town. Weisman noted that regardless of whether they agreed or disagreed on specific issues, colleagues always appreciated Wekilsky's positive energy and perspective.

Wekilsky was up for re-election this year but had decided not to seek another term before his death. His passing leaves an open seat as Republican Mark Wrobel now faces DiSalvo in the general election for that position.

The local Republican county committee must submit three names to serve out the remaining five months of Wekilsky's unexpired term. It remains unclear if Democrats, who hold a 5-2 majority on the town council including Mayor James Lynch as a Republican, would appoint Wrobel immediately.

Economic Activity Continues in Boonton

While political leadership changes, industrial activity continues to move forward in Morris County towns like Bonton. Resource Realty of Northern New Jersey recently completed three transactions totaling about 37,000 square feet across the region.

One transaction involved the sale of a 12,000-square-foot industrial facility located at 219 Division St. in Boonton. The single-story property sits on 0.7 acres and features multiple drive-in doors less than three blocks from the Interstate 287 North/South ramp.

The location offers proximity to major retailers like ACME Markets and Walmart, along with a NJ Transit rail station within walking distance of downtown. Principals Scott Peck and Greg Sabato represented ownership in this trade for Resource Realty of Northern New Jersey.

Another deal involved a 15,000-square-foot lease at 325 Division St., located less than one block from the sold property. This facility includes office space and three loading gates with access to Route 46 and the Garden State Parkway just 1.3 miles away.

What Residents Can Expect Next

The town council will need to address the vacancy left by Wekilsky while navigating a tight political balance on the board. The appointment process for his remaining five months depends on whether Democrats choose to give Wrobel an early start in office.

For residents watching local development, recent deals highlight a trend toward premium infill small-bay industrial spaces near major highways. Properties with immediate proximity to I-287 and I-80 continue to command higher value according to real estate experts.

Wekilsky was predeceased by his wife Gunvor in 2020, but he is survived by a son, a daughter, and several grandchildren. His family will likely be remembered alongside the community's appreciation for his decades of service.