Carl Jennings, former Long Branch recreation director, dies at 76

Carl F. Jennings II, 76, was born on May 2, 1947 to Gloria L. Elmore and Carl F. Jennings Sr. Although he moved to other areas within New Jersey throughout his life, he peacefully gained his wings on March 31, 2024 in his beloved city of Long Branch.

Early childhood

Since his early childhood, Carl was a natural leader, showing excellent leadership qualities and always surrounded by friends.

Carl graduated from Long Branch High School in 1966 where he was an All-State Track and Field star. He also was an Offensive End and Wide Receiver for his HS football team. While in LBHS, Carl was enrolled in the Technical Drafting program, a member of the “Mad Lads” singing group, and a part of the Monmouth County Cotillion. Carl attended Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Director of Recreation and Human Services

Carl was well known as a problem-solver who often took on difficult and unwanted projects at work and at home. In 1994, Carl began working for The City of Long Branch where he became The Director of Recreation and Human Services.

Carl had many accomplishments during his tenure with the City of Long Branch and was a significant contributor to the community which gave him a great source of pride. He provided job opportunities and mentorship to the youth of Long Branch. Some of his contributions included volunteering at the senior center assisting with various activities, for example, distributing coats, Turkeys and organizing yearly holiday toy drives. He was also integral in the revitalization of the various Beachfront initiatives that have made Long Branch beach what it is today!

Man of God and all about his family

Carl was a man of God. He earned the respect of many, who considered him a great friend, as he was well respected for his humble nature. After his retirement in 2022, he continued to be active with the youth and citizens of Long Branch. This was truly his calling.

Carl was a family man who loved to travel the world with his family and most importantly with Mimi. Carl always made time to spend with his granddaughters that he adored. He was always the go to man of the family. If there ever was a problem, everyone knew Carl could solve it. In remembrance of his mother Gloria, each year he would celebrate her birthday by hosting a Cookout/Party that brought family and friends from all over the country together.

Carl Jennings was a sports lover

Although Carl was a huge Kansas City Chiefs Football fan, his true love was Track and Field. He attended the Penn Relays annually for over 30 plus years. The Penns were truly one of the highlights of the year as family and friends joined him and enjoyed the event.

Carl Jennings loved serving the community

One of Carl’s personal most impactful accomplishments was the annual “Get on the Bus” College Tour (1998-2019), where he encouraged high school students to apply and enroll in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Carl often reminded students who participated in the College Tour that “Staying active physically and mentally was the key to a good life.”

Carl was a man of substance. He modeled integrity, compassion, and humility. — those characteristics earned him the name “Mr. Long Branch.” For all his hard work, Carl received numerous awards, accolades, and recognition for community excellence. Some of these awards include the United States Congress Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, the State of New Jersey General Assembly Citation, the County Monmouth Board of Chosen Freeholder, the Brookdale Community College “Wilbur Ray Award” Government Services Award, Business Award from the Golden Link Chapter #24 of the Eastern Stars and a host of other awards.

Additionally, Carl was a member of Second Baptist Church of Long Branch, was a member of the NAACP, a Long Branch Housing Authority Commissioner, a Charter Member of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and many other organizations too numerous to mention. For being such a great cultural advocate for the community and athletes, we say, “Job Well Done, Carl!”

The Long Branch community lost a pillar, leader, mentor, father, and a true legend. When you hear or see the name “Long Branch”, his name quickly comes to mind a household name in his hometown.

Although Carl will be truly missed, his legacy will live on in our hearts and minds. His impact on the City of Long Branch and all who loved him will forever remain.

His legacy will live on forever

Carl is predeceased by his mother Gloria; his father Carl Sr.; his sister Miriam; and his sons Carl Ross-Jennings and Faruq Muhammad.

Carl Jennings is survived by his loving wife Mimi Gatling; his stepdaughter Taylor Gatling; his granddaughters Shakera Ross-Jennings, Rayhannah and Ruqiyyah Muhammad; great-grandsons Ahjier and Asahd Washington; Godson Dion Lewis; life-long friends Harold Brown and Tim Cox and many of friends and family.

Lawson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.