Toms River, New Jersey

Much of the early history of the settlement of Toms River is obscured by conflicting stories. Various sources list the eponym of the township as either English captain William Tom,Hutchinson, Viola L. [http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/356/nj_place_names_origin.pdf#page=31 The Origin of New Jersey Place Names] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115082401/http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/356/nj_place_names_origin.pdf#page=31 |date=November 15, 2015 }}, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed October 12, 2015.Gannett, Henry. [https://books.google.com/books?id=9V1IAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA302 The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States], p. 302. United States Government Printing Office, 1905. Accessed October 12, 2015. or farmer and ferryman Thomas Luker. In 1992, as part of celebrations commemorating the township's 225th anniversary, official recognition was granted to the tradition that the "Tom" in "Toms River" was for Thomas Luker, who ran a ferry across Goose Creek (now the Toms River).[http://theoceancountylibrary.org/Branches/TR/trcomprofile.htm "Toms River Community Profile"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828120355/http://theoceancountylibrary.org/Branches/TR/trcomprofile.htm |date=August 28, 2008 }}, Ocean County Library. Accessed May 26, 2017. "Most believed it was named for Thomas Luker, who came to the area around 1700 and married Princess Anne, daughter of the local Indian Chief. Only in 1992, with the dedication of a small footbridge in Huddy Park to his memory, was Thomas Luker officially recognized as the source of the 'Tom' in Toms River. Over 40 of Luker's direct descendants and their families attended the ceremony where Ocean County Historian Pauline Miller laid to rest the other stories." During the 19th century, Toms River became a center for shipbuilding, whaling, fishing, and iron and lumber production. The settlement and the river were usually spelled "Tom's River" in its early days, though its current spelling has been standard since the middle of the 19th century.

Located in the southern section of the Shrewsbury Township, a royal charter was granted on March 1, 1768, and Dover Township was formed. During the American Revolutionary War, Toms River was home to a strategically important salt works that supplied colonial militias, as well as a base for privateer vessels that plundered British and Tory ships off the coast. In March 1782, a group of British and loyalist soldiers attacked a blockhouse along the river that housed the colonial militia and captured Captain Joshua Huddy, who was later hanged at Sandy Hook. Also destroyed were the salt works and most of the houses in the village.[http://www.libraries.psu.edu/do/digitalbookshelf/28988620/28988620_part_011.pdf Three Dramatic Scenes in the Closing Hours of the Revolutionary Struggle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060922221109/http://www.libraries.psu.edu/do/digitalbookshelf/28988620/28988620_part_011.pdf |date=September 22, 2006 }}, Gen. W. H. Stryker, presentation at Doylestown Meeting, January 21, 1885. Provides a comprehensive account of the incident at Toms River in 1782 and its aftermath. The incident greatly complicated the tense relationship between the British, loyalists, and colonists, and was a factor in prolonging the peace negotiations that were then in progress in Paris until 1783.

Dover Township was incorporated as one of New Jersey's first 104 townships by the Township Act of 1798 of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. The township's original name was for Dover, England.Urgo, Jacqueline L. [http://articles.philly.com/2006-11-10/news/25406892_1_ends-confusion-change-identity-crisis "Goodbye, Dover; hello, Toms River Voters decided to redub the township with the name everyone knows."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113081914/http://articles.philly.com/2006-11-10/news/25406892_1_ends-confusion-change-identity-crisis |date=January 13, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 10, 2006. Accessed October 12, 2015. "The king of England named the Ocean County town Dover 239 years ago, but the pioneer name Toms River is the one that stuck. ... Even though the king changed the name in 1767 to Dover, residents continued calling the place Toms River—perhaps in protest—dropping the apostrophe by the 1850s."

The village of Toms River is listed on both the national[http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/research/mpslist.htm Multiple Property Submission List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207230817/http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/research/mpslist.htm |date=December 7, 2006 }}, National Register of Historic Places. Accessed August 7, 2006. and state registers of historic places.[https://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists/Ocean.pdf New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, Ocean County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913093845/https://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists/Ocean.pdf |date=September 13, 2020 }}, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Historic Preservation Office, updated December 31, 2019. Accessed March 6, 2020.

File:Toms River 1878.jpg

In 1850, Toms River became the county seat of the newly created Ocean County when it was formed out of southern Monmouth County. During the second half of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th, many new towns were carved out of Dover Township, including Brick, Jackson, Lakewood, and Berkeley. The Village of Toms River attempted twice—in 1914 and 1926—to secede from Dover Township, but residents were unsuccessful. The part of Toms River on the south side of the river stretching down to Berkeley Township incorporated as South Toms River in 1927, but the core of the original village on the north side remains part of the wider township to this day.[http://www.oceancountyhistory.org/OCHistory/Dover.htm History of Dover Township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717054345/http://www.oceancountyhistory.org/OCHistory/Dover.htm |date=July 17, 2006 }}, Ocean County Historical Society. Accessed August 3, 2006.

Portions of the township were taken to form Jackson Township (March 6, 1844), Union Township (March 10, 1846, now Barnegat Township), Brick Township (February 15, 1850), Manchester Township (April 6, 1865), Berkeley Township (March 31, 1875), Island Heights (May 6, 1887), Lavallette (December 21, 1887), and Seaside Heights (February 26, 1913).Snyder, John P. [https://nj.gov/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606–1968], Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 202. Accessed May 30, 2024.Honeyman, Abraham Van Doren. [https://books.google.com/books?id=nOkkAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA124 Index-analysis of the Statutes of New Jersey, 1896–1909: Together with References to All Acts, and Parts of Acts, in the 'General Statutes' and Pamphlet Laws Expressly Repealed: and the Statutory Crimes of New Jersey During the Same Period], p. 124. New Jersey Law Journal Publishing Company, 1910. Accessed October 12, 2015.

In the last two decades of the twentieth century, the demographics of the township changed substantially, adding over 20,000 residents just in the 1990s alone. While the village is still the center of municipal and county government, the population in the area exploded in the decades after World War II, due in part to the completion of the Garden State Parkway. Whereas the village was the largest and most densely populated section of the township for over two centuries, the vast majority of residents now shop and work in other sections of the town.

{{See also|Toms River#Superfund sites}}

In the mid-1990s, state and federal health and environmental agencies identified an increased incidence of childhood cancers in Toms River from the 1970–1995 period. Multiple investigations by state and federal environmental and health agencies indicated that the likely source of the increased cancer risk was contamination from Toms River Chemical Plant (then operated by Ciba-Geigy), which had been in operation since 1952. The area was designated a United States Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site in 1983, after an underground plume of toxic chemicals was identified. The following year, a discharge pipe was shut down after a sinkhole at the corner of Bay Avenue and Vaughn Avenue revealed that it had been leaking. The plant ceased operation in 1996.[http://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/npl/ciba/ Ciba-Geigy Corp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041010122118/http://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/npl/ciba/ |date=October 10, 2004 }}. United States Environmental Protection Agency, dated December 14, 2004. Accessed January 31, 2005New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Hazardous Site Health Evaluation Program, Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, & US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (Sep. 1997). [http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/cansumm.pdf Childhood Cancer Incidence Health Consultation: A Review and Analysis of Cancer Registry Data, 1979–1995 for Dover Township (Ocean County), New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041027144746/http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/cansumm.pdf |date=October 27, 2004 }}NJDHSS, ATSDR. (December 2001). Case-control Study of Childhood Cancers in Dover Township (Ocean County), New Jersey. [http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/case-control_pdf/Volume_I/Voli.pdf Volume 1: Summary of the Final Technical Report PDF 134KB] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040229103844/http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/case-control_pdf/Volume_I/Voli.pdf |date=February 29, 2004 }}. See also: [http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/dovertwp.htm Dover Township Childhood Cancer Investigation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970618091824/http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/dovertwp.htm |date=June 18, 1997 }}. Accessed January 31, 2005.

A follow-up study from the 1996–2000 period indicated that while there were more cancer cases than expected, rates had significantly fallen and the difference was statistically insignificant compared to normal statewide cancer rates.[http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/case-control_pdf/cg_cancerpdate_99_00.pdf Citizen's Guide to the Childhood Cancer Incidence Update: A Review and Analysis of Cancer Registry Data, 1979–2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061220035616/http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/hhazweb/case-control_pdf/cg_cancerpdate_99_00.pdf |date=December 20, 2006 }}, January 2003.

Since 1996, the Toms River water system has been subject to the most stringent water testing in the state and is considered safe for consumption.Milke, Jean. [http://orig.app.com/lifein/story/0,21786,1108859,00.html Population explosion is talk of Toms River] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20050605080553/http://orig.app.com/lifein/story/0,21786,1108859,00.html |date=June 5, 2005 }}, Asbury Park Press, November 11, 2004. Accessed January 4, 2007. Dan Fagin's Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation, the 2014 Pulitzer Prize winning book, examined the issue of industrial pollution in detail.[http://www.pulitzer.org/works/2014-General-Nonfiction The 2014 Pulitzer Prize Winners – General Nonfiction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223130357/http://www.pulitzer.org/works/2014-General-Nonfiction |date=December 23, 2014 }}, Pulitzer Prize. Accessed December 18, 2014. "In an astonishing feat of investigative reporting, prize-winning journalist Dan Fagin recounts the sixty-year saga of rampant pollution and inadequate oversight that made Toms River a cautionary example for fast-growing industrial towns from South Jersey to South China."

"Toms River" at one time referred only to the rural farming community of Toms River, a small part of the vast Township of Dover that included several other distinct settlements. With the United States Postal Service's adoption of Toms River mailing addresses for Dover Township, coupled with demographic changes in the other sections, those inside and outside began referring to all of mainland Dover Township as Toms River.[http://www.oceancountygov.com/tomsriv/trhist.htm About Toms River] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201203757/http://www.oceancountygov.com/tomsriv/trhist.htm |date=February 1, 2015 }}, Ocean County. Accessed August 3, 2006. In the 1990 census, the census-designated place called "Toms River" only included the downtown village area that included fewer than 8,000 residents in 1990. Due to complaints of confusion, the CDP was broadened to include all of mainland Dover Township to better reflect the more common usage for the area.

Over the years, confusion over the name of the township had become an issue for many residents. A movement organized around the Dover Township Name Change Committee,[http://www.TomsRiverNow.com Toms River Now: Support the Dover Township name change] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224151611/http://www.tomsrivernow.com/ |date=February 24, 2007 }}, Toms River Now. Accessed August 2, 2006. founded by Mayor Paul Brush and supported by the Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, collected signatures to put a name change question on the ballot in November 2006. On Election Day, November 7, 2006, over 60% of residents voted to approve changing the name from the Township of Dover to the Township of Toms River.[https://archive.today/20121216092800/http://www.oceancountyclerk.com/cgi-bin/election.pl Dover Township Election Results], accessed November 11, 2006. The name change campaign featured the slogan "Toms River YES", signifying a yes vote for the name change, and the name was officially changed on November 14, 2006.[http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061107/NEWS/61107112 "Dover is over; it's Toms River Township"]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Asbury Park Press, November 7, 2006. Accessed November 8, 2006.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 52.89 square miles (136.98 km²), including 40.55 square miles (105.03 km²) of land and 12.34 square miles (31.95 km²) of water (23.32%). Toms River is {{convert|70|mi|km}} south of New York City and {{convert|55|mi|km}} east of Philadelphia.

While most of Toms River is on the mainland, Dover Beaches North and South are situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Dover Beaches South adjoins the independent municipalities of Lavallette to the north and Seaside Heights to the south.Romano, Jay. [https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/12/nyregion/ortley-beach-journal-secession-drive-brings-criticism.html "Ortley Beach Journal; Secession Drive Brings Criticism"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220012548/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/12/nyregion/ortley-beach-journal-secession-drive-brings-criticism.html |date=December 20, 2017 }}, The New York Times, February 12, 1989. Accessed July 11, 2012. "Ortley Beach is one of several small communities on the barrier island that runs from Point Pleasant to Seaside Park and separates Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Centered on this island, Ortley Beach is bordered on the north by Lavallette and on the south by Seaside Heights, both independent municipalities."

Dover Beaches North (2010 Census population of 1,239[https://archive.today/20200212143356/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3418148 DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Dover Beaches North CDP, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 15, 2012.), Dover Beaches South (1,209[https://archive.today/20200212134141/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3418151 DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Dover Beaches South CDP, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 15, 2012.) and Toms River CDP (88,791[https://archive.today/20200212134857/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3473110 DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Toms River CDP, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 15, 2012.) are census-designated places and unincorporated communities located within Toms River Township.[https://archive.today/20150419174657/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34029 GCT-PH1 – Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County – County Subdivision and Place from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for Ocean County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 2, 2013.[http://www2.census.gov/acs2010_5yr/summaryfile/UserTools/Geography/NJ.xls 2006–2010 American Community Survey Geography for New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053907/http://www2.census.gov/acs2010_5yr/summaryfile/UserTools/Geography/NJ.xls |date=March 4, 2016 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 2, 2013.[https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf New Jersey: 2010 – Population and Housing Unit Counts – 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH-2-32)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723055400/http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf |date=July 23, 2013 }}, United States Census Bureau, August 2012. Accessed January 2, 2013. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Andrew Point, Andrews, Bay Shore, Cattus Island, Cedar Grove, Chadwick, Coates Point, East Dover, Gilford Park, Gilmores Island, Green Island, Long Point, Normandy Beach, Ocean Beach, Ortley Beach, Pelican Island, Pine View, Pleasant Plains, Shelter Cove, Silverton, Tilton Point, West Dover, and White Oak Bottom.[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt Locality Search] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709092825/http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt |date=July 9, 2016 }}, State of New Jersey. Accessed December 19, 2014.

Toms River includes the ZIP Codes 08753, 08754, 08755, 08756, 08757, and 08739. Ortley Beach (Dover Beaches South) shares ZIP Code 08751 with Seaside Heights. Manchester does not have its own post office, and parts of Manchester use a Toms River mailing address under ZIP Code 08757.

Toms River borders the Ocean County municipalities of Berkeley Township, Brick, Island Heights, Jackson, Lakewood, Lavallette, Manchester, Seaside Heights, and South Toms River.[https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/883326/touches.html Areas touching Toms River Township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319090401/https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/883326/touches.html |date=March 19, 2022 }}, MapIt. Accessed March 6, 2020.[http://chnj.njpn.org/ocean-county/ Ocean County Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319081147/http://chnj.njpn.org/ocean-county/ |date=March 19, 2022 }}, Coalition for a Healthy NJ. Accessed March 6, 2020.[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf New Jersey Municipal Boundaries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204213712/https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf |date=December 4, 2003 }}, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.

The township is one of 11 municipalities in Ocean County that are part of the Toms River watershed.[https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ Toms River Watershed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324000506/https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ |date=March 24, 2022 }}, Barnegat Bay Partnership. Accessed July 3, 2022.

Toms River has a humid subtropical climate, with significant rainfall throughout the year. The Köppen climate classification of the area is Cfa.{{cite web|title=Koppen Climate Classification for the Conterminous United States|url=https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/koppen-climate-classification-for-the-conterminous-united-states63aa7/resource/b2bf2831-934f-4968-8ae5-72e989a8dfac|website=Data.gov|publisher=U.S. General Services Administration|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108062434/https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/koppen-climate-classification-for-the-conterminous-united-states63aa7/resource/b2bf2831-934f-4968-8ae5-72e989a8dfac|url-status=dead}}

The township was severely affected by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Many low-lying areas of the township, including Silverton and the downtown area, saw their worst flooding ever when the storm surge overwhelmed the Barnegat Bay up and down the Jersey Shore. The barrier islands, just across the bridge, suffered even worse devastation from the storm surge brought by the hurricane.Kaufman, Leslie. [https://www.wnyc.org/story/four-years-after-sandy-rising-sea-levels-loom-over-new-jersey-recovery/ "Four Years After Sandy, Rising Sea Levels Loom Over New Jersey Recovery"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229180145/https://www.wnyc.org/story/four-years-after-sandy-rising-sea-levels-loom-over-new-jersey-recovery/ |date=December 29, 2018 }}, WNYC, October 26, 2016. Accessed October 12, 2018. Extremes range from a record high of 105 °F on both July 19, 1999, and August 9, 1896, to a low of −24 °F on January 16, 1988.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}

{{Weather box |metric first =

|location = Toms River

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 75

|Feb record high F = 75

|Mar record high F = 87

|Apr record high F = 97

|May record high F = 99

|Jun record high F = 102

|Jul record high F = 105

|Aug record high F = 105

|Sep record high F = 103

|Oct record high F = 91

|Nov record high F = 85

|Dec record high F = 75

|year record high F= 105

|Jan high F = 41

|Feb high F = 44

|Mar high F = 51

|Apr high F = 61

|May high F = 71

|Jun high F = 80

|Jul high F = 85

|Aug high F = 83

|Sep high F = 77

|Oct high F = 67

|Nov high F = 57

|Dec high F = 46

|year high F=

|Jan low F = 22

|Feb low F = 24

|Mar low F = 30

|Apr low F = 39

|May low F = 49

|Jun low F = 59

|Jul low F = 64

|Aug low F = 62

|Sep low F = 55

|Oct low F = 43

|Nov low F = 35

|Dec low F = 27

|year low F=

|Jan record low F = −24

|Feb record low F = −24

|Mar record low F = −4

|Apr record low F = 12

|May record low F = 27

|Jun record low F = 37

|Jul record low F = 43

|Aug record low F = 38

|Sep record low F = 31

|Oct record low F = 20

|Nov record low F = 9

|Dec record low F = −12

|year record low F= −24

|Jan precipitation inch = 3.92

|Feb precipitation inch = 3.30

|Mar precipitation inch = 4.79

|Apr precipitation inch = 4.07

|May precipitation inch = 3.73

|Jun precipitation inch = 3.80

|Jul precipitation inch = 4.60

|Aug precipitation inch = 4.69

|Sep precipitation inch = 3.79

|Oct precipitation inch = 3.90

|Nov precipitation inch = 4.11

|Dec precipitation inch = 4.51

|year precipitation inch= 49.8

|Jan snow inch = 7.01

|Feb snow inch = 5.99

|Mar snow inch = 5.00

|Apr snow inch = 0.98

|May snow inch = 0

|Jun snow inch = 0

|Jul snow inch = 0

|Aug snow inch = 0

|Sep snow inch = 0

|Oct snow inch = 0

|Nov snow inch = 0.98

|Dec snow inch = 4.02

|year snow inch = 23.98

|Jan precipitation days = 11

|Feb precipitation days = 10

|Mar precipitation days = 11

|Apr precipitation days = 11

|May precipitation days = 11

|Jun precipitation days = 10

|Jul precipitation days = 9

|Aug precipitation days = 9

|Sep precipitation days = 8

|Oct precipitation days = 8

|Nov precipitation days = 10

|Dec precipitation days = 10

|year precipitation days= 118

|Jan snow days = 4

|Feb snow days = 3

|Mar snow days = 2

|Apr snow days = .5

|May snow days = 0

|Jun snow days = 0

|Jul snow days = 0

|Aug snow days = 0

|Sep snow days = 0

|Oct snow days = 0

|Nov snow days = .2

|Dec snow days = 2

|year snow days= 11.7

|Jan sun = 155.0

|Feb sun = 155.4

|Mar sun = 201.5

|Apr sun = 216.0

|May sun = 244.9

|Jun sun = 270.0

|Jul sun = 275.9

|Aug sun = 260.4

|Sep sun = 219.0

|Oct sun = 204.6

|Nov sun = 156.0

|Dec sun = 136.4

|year sun= 2495.1

|source 1 =weather.com[https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/43a346a4faef56f75129d2eac8bf729ab0d1a3ad3473f0af3c95d6e9fd575eb1 Average weather for Toms River, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225403/https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/43a346a4faef56f75129d2eac8bf729ab0d1a3ad3473f0af3c95d6e9fd575eb1 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Weather.com. Accessed November 3, 2019.

|date=August 2010

|precipitation colour=green}}

{{US Census population

| 1790= 910

| 1810= 1882

| 1820= 1916

| 1830= 2898

| 1840= 2752

| 1850= 2385 | 1850n=*

| 1860= 2378

| 1870= 3044 | 1870n=*

| 1880= 2489 | 1880n=*

| 1890= 2609 | 1890n=*

| 1900= 2618

| 1910= 2452

| 1920= 2198 | 1920n=*

| 1930= 3970

| 1940= 5165

| 1950= 7707

| 1960= 17414

| 1970= 43751

| 1980= 64455

| 1990= 76371

| 2000= 89706

| 2010= 91239

| 2020= 95438

| estimate=99091

| estyear=2023

| estref=[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2023/mcds/totals/SUB-MCD-EST2023-POP-34.xlsx Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023], United States Census Bureau, released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.

|footnote=Population sources: 1790–1920[https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full Compendium of censuses 1726–1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226125132/https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full |date=February 26, 2021 }}, New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed July 19, 2013.Wilson, Harold Fisher. [https://books.google.com/books?ei=at39T_2OIqKU6wH8g4DTBg&id=27Q3AQAAIAAJ&dq=%22Dover's+population+dropped+in+that+year+to%22 The Jersey Shore; a social and economic history of the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319090401/https://books.google.com/books?ei=at39T_2OIqKU6wH8g4DTBg&id=27Q3AQAAIAAJ&dq=%22Dover%27s+population+dropped+in+that+year+to%22 |date=March 19, 2022 }}. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing. 1953. Vol. 2. Appendix B: Population Statistics. Ocean County Population Statistics. p. 1132. "Dover Township reported 1,882 in 1810; 1,916 in 1820; 2,898 in 1830 and a drop to 2,752 in 1840. In 1846 Union was created from Dover and Stafford, reporting a population of 1,759 in 1850, and Dover's population dropped in that year to 2,385.
1850–2000Barnett, Bob. [http://westjersey.org/popoce_04.htm Population Data for Ocean County Municipalities, 1850 – 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928005127/http://westjersey.org/popoce_04.htm |date=September 28, 2018 }}, WestJersey.org, January 6, 2011. Accessed January 2, 2013. 1850–1870Raum, John O. [https://books.google.com/books?id=5qZ4AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA280 The History of New Jersey: From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Volume 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225411/https://books.google.com/books?id=5qZ4AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA280 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, p. 280, J. E. Potter and company, 1877. Accessed January 2, 2013. "Dover contained in 1850, 2,385 inhabitants; in 1860, 2,378; and in 1870, 3,044." 1850Debow, James Dunwoody Brownson. [https://books.google.com/books?id=25TicJOdU0AC&pg=PA140 The Seventh Census of the United States: 1850] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714233542/https://books.google.com/books?id=25TicJOdU0AC&pg=PA140 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, p. 140. R. Armstrong, 1853. Accessed January 2, 2013.
1870Staff. [https://books.google.com/books?id=gNwIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA260 A compendium of the ninth census, 1870] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714233452/https://books.google.com/books?id=gNwIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA260 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, p. 260. United States Census Bureau, 1872. Accessed January 2, 2013. 1880–1890Porter, Robert Percival. [https://books.google.com/books?id=8gUkQkJdLpsC&pg=PA99 Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III – 51 to 75] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225402/https://books.google.com/books?id=8gUkQkJdLpsC&pg=PA99 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, p. 99. United States Census Bureau, 1890. Accessed January 2, 2013. 1890–1910[https://books.google.com/books?id=T9HrAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA338 Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225901/https://books.google.com/books?id=T9HrAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA338 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, United States Census Bureau, p. 338. Accessed January 2, 2013.
1910–1930[https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA718 Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 – Population Volume I] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225902/https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA718 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, United States Census Bureau, p. 718. Accessed January 2, 2013. 1940–2000[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005222054/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 |date=October 5, 2022 }}, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.
2000 2010[https://archive.today/20200212140500/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3402973125 DP-1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Toms River township, Ocean County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed February 15, 2012.[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_oce/tomsriver1.pdf Table DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Toms River township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174435/http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_oce/tomsriver1.pdf |date=July 14, 2014 }}, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed February 15, 2012. 2020[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/tomsrivertownshipoceancountynewjersey QuickFacts Toms River township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518173528/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/tomsrivertownshipoceancountynewjersey |date=May 18, 2022 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 15, 2022.[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213084623/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf |date=February 13, 2023 }}, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.
* = Lost territory in previous decade.

}}

{{Expand section|examples with reliable citations|date=September 2021}}

The 2010 United States census counted 91,239 people, 34,760 households, and 24,367 families in the township. The population density was {{convert|2253.5|/sqmi}}. There were 43,334 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1070.3|/sqmi}}. The racial makeup was 89.91% (82,035) White, 2.70% (2,465) Black or African American, 0.17% (156) Native American, 3.58% (3,266) Asian, 0.02% (17) Pacific Islander, 1.96% (1,785) from other races, and 1.66% (1,515) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.93% (7,231) of the population.

Of the 34,760 households, 28.2% had children under the age of 18; 54.4% were married couples living together; 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 29.9% were non-families. Of all households, 25.1% were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.10.

21.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 89.6 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $71,934 (with a margin of error of +/− $2,094) and the median family income was $83,924 (+/− $2,842). Males had a median income of $59,860 (+/− $2,733) versus $42,192 (+/− $2,081) for females. The per capita income for the township was $33,423 (+/− $926). About 4.5% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.[https://archive.today/20200212082457/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402973125 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Toms River township, Ocean County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed February 15, 2012.

As of the 2000 United States census there were 89,706 people, 33,510 households, and 24,428 families residing in the township. The population density was {{convert|2,189.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 41,116 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,003.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the township was 93.57% White, 1.75% African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.46% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.95% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.54% of the population.[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402918130.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Dover township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719224318/http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402918130.pdf |date=July 19, 2014 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 2, 2013.[https://archive.today/20200212092314/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402918130 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 – Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Dover township, Ocean County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 2, 2013.

There were 33,510 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $54,776, and the median income for a family was $62,561. Males had a median income of $47,390 versus $30,834 for females. The per capita income for the township was $25,010. About 4.0% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

File:Main Street Downtown Toms River.jpg

Toms River has many shopping malls including Ocean County Mall (the only enclosed mall in Ocean County[http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=115 About Ocean County Mall] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010031028/http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=115 |date=October 10, 2012 }}, Simon Malls. Accessed July 11, 2012. "Ocean County Mall is the only enclosed regional shopping center in Ocean County, New Jersey.") and Seacourt Pavilion, located across Bay Avenue from the Ocean County Mall. It is home to the corporate headquarters of EGM Green, as well as the headquarters for OceanFirst Bank.

The RWJBarnabas Health Arena (formerly Pine Belt Arena), a 3,500-seat public arena connected to Toms River High School North, is used for concerts, sporting events, and some small local events throughout the year to raise money for the school district. Starting in January 2018, the name was officially changed to the "RWJBarnabas Health Arena" after the district signed a five-year deal with RWJBarnabas Health under which the district would be paid a total of $637,500 for the naming rights.Larsen, Eric. [https://www.app.com/story/news/education/in-our-schools/2017/12/21/pine-belt-arena-toms-river-renamed-second-time-5-months-rwjbarnabas-health-arena/972402001/ "Pine Belt Arena in Toms River renamed a second time in 5 months: RWJBarnabas Health Arena"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225913/https://www.app.com/story/news/education/in-our-schools/2017/12/21/pine-belt-arena-toms-river-renamed-second-time-5-months-rwjbarnabas-health-arena/972402001/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, December 21, 2017. Accessed January 18, 2018. "The Pine Belt Arena, which was to have been renamed the Hackensack Meridian Health Arena at the start of the new school year, will now be called the RWJBarnabas Health Arena at the start of the new calendar year.... RWJBarnabas, which owns Community Medical Center in Toms River and Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, will pay the Toms River Regional School District $637,500 over five years to have its name emblazoned upon the 3,500-seat complex on Old Freehold Road."

Toms River Fest was held during the summer in Toms River, bringing many people from in and out of the area, with 25,000 attendees at the 2008 event.Staff. [https://archive.today/20130131133843/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1699084081.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Aug+04,+2008&author=&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=An+estimated+25,000+people+attended+the+return+of+Toms+River+Fest&pqatl=google "An estimated 25,000 people attended the return of Toms River Fest"], Asbury Park Press, August 4, 2008. Accessed July 11, 2012. Originally planned to be an annual event, it has not been held since 2008.

Toms River made national headlines in the 1990s when their Little League Baseball team, nicknamed "Beast from the East", competed in the Little League World Series three times in five years. The team won in 1998, after defeating Japan by a score of 12–9.Kreidler, Mark. [https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=kreidler/100820 "Inseparable: Little League, Toms River – The town from New Jersey is back where it believes it belongs: in Williamsport"], ESPN magazine, August 20, 2010. Accessed July 20, 2011. "Just three years later, Gaynor, by then coaching his younger son Casey, took another team to the World Series – and this time Toms River won it all, defeating an entry from Japan 12–9 to take home the championship trophy. Gaynor's team made the Series again in '99, a staggering run of three Williamsport trips in five years." More than 40,000 people lined Route 37 for a parade following their victory.Dyer, Eric. [http://articles.philly.com/1998-09-06/news/25759500_1_parade-route-toms-river-east-young-teens "Toms River Champs On Parade 40,000 Fans Swooned Over The Young Kings Of The Little League Baseball World."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609120500/http://articles.philly.com/1998-09-06/news/25759500_1_parade-route-toms-river-east-young-teens|date=June 9, 2012}}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 6, 1998. Accessed July 20, 2011.

Toms River Little League made it back to the 2010 World Series, giving the town its record fourth Mid-Atlantic championship, returning as regional runners up in 2021.{{Cite web |title=Little League: Toms River East loses Mid-Atlantic final in World Series tuneup |url=https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2021/08/14/little-league-toms-river-east-loses-mid-atlantic-final-world-series-tuneup/5561162001/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=Asbury Park Press |language=en-US |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726212337/https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2021/08/14/little-league-toms-river-east-loses-mid-atlantic-final-world-series-tuneup/5561162001/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, the team again took the New Jersey State title, but lost to Massapequa in the Metro Region championship, in Bristol, Connecticut.{{Cite web |title=Toms River East Little League falls in region final to Massapequa, 4-0 |url=https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2022/08/12/2022-little-league-world-series-toms-river-east-nj-massapequa-coast-ny/65400648007/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=Asbury Park Press |language=en-US |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726212138/https://www.app.com/story/sports/youth/little-league/2022/08/12/2022-little-league-world-series-toms-river-east-nj-massapequa-coast-ny/65400648007/ |url-status=live }}

Toms River is also home to many National Champion Pop Warner Cheerleading titles, with the Toms River Angels taking home championships in several divisions in 1995, 1998–2003, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2018, and 2019; the Toms River Indians winning in 1999, 2003, and 2007; and the Toms River Little Indians taking titles in 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, and 2005–2009.{{Cite web |title=National Cheerleading Champions |url=https://www.popwarner.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1579503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428144016/https://www.popwarner.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1579503 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.popwarner.com}} The Toms River Raiders won the Division 1 Jr., Pee Wee football title in 1996.{{Cite web |title=Division I National Champions |url=https://www.popwarner.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1579499 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428144016/https://www.popwarner.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1579499 |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.popwarner.com}}

Known locally as "The Bubble", the center is one of three indoor athletic complex's in Ocean County and one of the largest in New Jersey. It is located just south of Intermediate School East, and named after John Bennet, TRSD superintendent from 1960 to 1977.{{Cite web |title=Sports Complex {{!}} Toms River Regional School District |url=https://www.trschools.com/sportscomplex/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=www.trschools.com |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331222741/https://www.trschools.com/sportscomplex/ |url-status=live }} It was severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy, reopening in January 2013, after repairs were completed.Kile, III, William H. [http://www.southjerseylocalnews.com/articles/2013/01/11/sports/doc50f07f55d98ba374788243.txt "Indoor Track: 'Bubble' finally ready for action"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044549/http://www.southjerseylocalnews.com/articles/2013/01/11/sports/doc50f07f55d98ba374788243.txt |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Medford Central Record, January 11, 2013. Accessed August 14, 2014. "The familiar sound of the starter's pistol rang out from the John Bennett Indoor Athletic Complex on Jan. 2 and it was a welcome sound for track coaches and fans in the area.The South Jersey indoor track and field season finally got underway last week after the Hooper Avenue facility, also known fondly as 'The Bubble,' was repaired after sustaining damage when Hurricane Sandy arrived at the end of October."

The facility was damaged again in 2022, when over a foot of ice and snow fell during a January nor'easter, causing portions of the dome to collapse in on itself.{{Cite web |date=2022-01-30 |title=Toms River indoor sports bubble collapses during winter snowstorm |url=https://abc7ny.com/toms-river-sports-bubble-collapse-snowstorm/11522959/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530053232/https://abc7ny.com/toms-river-sports-bubble-collapse-snowstorm/11522959/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2022, the complex was rebranded as part of a multiyear naming rights agreement. The facility is now called the Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at the John Bennett Athletic Center.{{Cite web |last=Riccardi |first=Alyssa |date=2022-05-03 |title=Toms River "Bubble" Unveils A New Name |url=https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/toms-river/toms-river-bubble-unveils-a-new-name/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=Jersey Shore Online |language=en-US |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503210025/https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/toms-river/toms-river-bubble-unveils-a-new-name/ |url-status=live }}

A 3,204-seat multi-use center was opened to the public in 2004, attached to Toms River High School North. The sports, music, and convention center has gone by a number of different names, including: the Ritacco Center, Poland Spring Arena, and Pine Belt Arena.

The facility has hosted the NJSIAA boys and girls basketball Tournament of Champions, WWE NXT Live!, and musical acts in association with Toms River Fest, including: Gavin DeGraw, Daughtry, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Meat Loaf, and Joan Jett, among others.{{Cite web |title=Toms River Fest 2008 Setlists |url=https://www.setlist.fm/festival/2008/toms-river-fest-2008-bd48166.html |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=setlist.fm |language=en |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726212145/https://www.setlist.fm/festival/2008/toms-river-fest-2008-bd48166.html |url-status=live }}

The building also serves as the location for HS North graduation ceremonies, with the inaugural event held for the Class of 2004.

There are 13 parks located within and maintained by Toms River Township.{{Cite web |title=Parks, Buildings & Grounds {{!}} Toms River Township, NJ |url=https://tomsrivertownship.com/492/Parks-Buildings-Grounds |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=tomsrivertownship.com}} Two of the newest recreational areas include the Toms River Skatepark, a {{Convert|7000|sqft}} outdoor skatepark completed in 2021,{{Cite web |title=Toms River Skatepark {{!}} Spohn Ranch |url=https://www.spohnranch.com/portfolio/toms-river-skatepark/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=www.spohnranch.com |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226204805/https://www.spohnranch.com/portfolio/toms-river-skatepark/ |url-status=live }} and Field of Dreams Playground, a {{Convert|3.5|acre}} gated playground opened in 2022 and designed for children with varying physical or developmental disabilities.{{Cite web |last=Auer |first=Jennifer |date=2022-07-07 |title=Field of Dreams Playground in Toms River NJ - 10 Things to Know |url=https://www.jerseyfamilyfun.com/field-of-dreams-playground-in-toms-river-nj/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Jersey Family Fun |language=en-US |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226204805/https://www.jerseyfamilyfun.com/field-of-dreams-playground-in-toms-river-nj/ |url-status=live }}

Joshua Huddy Park, which opened in 1905, is located in Downtown Toms River and is host to a replica constructed in 1931 of the Revolutionary War fort that was once standing near the site. The town played host to a short skirmish during the Revolution in which Captain Joshua Huddy was captured by a group of Loyalists while defending the Toms River Blockhouse and hanged without trial. The trail of Captain Huddy can be followed throughout the town.[http://revolutionarynj.org/places/joshua-huddy-park/ Joshua Huddy Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119062145/http://revolutionarynj.org/places/joshua-huddy-park/ |date=January 19, 2018 }}, Crossroads of the American Revolution. Accessed January 18, 2018. "A park was erected in 1931 which includes a replica blockhouse and a memorial of Captain Huddy and his men."

In 1992, improvements to the park were made to mark the 225th anniversary of the township, during which time Luker Bridge was dedicated, named for Thomas Luker, the 17th century ferryman who is believed to be the river's namesake.Mikle, Jean. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-history-of-toms-river/7990314/ "First family of Toms River reunites"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221204956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-history-of-toms-river/7990314/ |date=December 21, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, May 16, 1992. Accessed December 25, 2023, via Newspapers.com. "Not all the people who attended a bridge dedication ceremony in Huddy Park bore the last name Luker, but most of them could trace their ancestry back to Thomas Luker, the man for whom the Toms River is believed to have been named." In 2017, a $1.6 million renovation of the park was completed to commemorate the township's 250th anniversary.Mikle, Jean. [https://www.app.com/story/news/local/toms-river-area/toms-river/2015/06/10/huddy-park-toms-river/71023816/ "$1M makeover for Toms River's Huddy Park"], Asbury Park Press, June 10, 2015. Accessed December 25, 2023. "The township's oldest park – it was established in 1905 – was flooded during superstorm Sandy and has suffered nearly a quarter century's worth of wear and tear since it was last redeveloped in 1992. The park is the site of the popular Wooden Boat Festival in July. Toms River plans to spend approximately $1 million to replace bulkheading, install new landscaping and benches, sidewalks and benches, and reconstruct the replica of the Toms River blockhouse – a Revolutionary War fort – which is located at the downtown park on Water Street."

Since 2002, Toms River Township has operated within the Faulkner Act (formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law) under the Mayor-Council form of New Jersey municipal government.2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 53.[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=10 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604040836/https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=10 |date=June 4, 2023 }}, p. 10. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023. The township is one of 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government.[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601184216/https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf |date=June 1, 2023 }}, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and seven-member Township Council. The council includes four members who each represent one of four wards of the township and three who are chosen at-large. The mayor and the seven council members are chosen on a partisan basis as part of the November general election in odd-numbered years to serve four-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with the mayor and three at-large seats elected together and the four ward seats chosen simultaneously two years later.[https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/233/Township-Council Township Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225134947/https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/233/Township-Council|date=February 25, 2020}}, Toms River Township. Accessed April 18, 2022.

In December 2017, the Township Council appointed Don Guardian, the former Mayor of Atlantic City to replace Paul J. Shives; Guardian was given an annual salary of $175,000, while Shives had been paid $223,000.Oglesby, Amanda. [https://www.app.com/story/news/politics/2017/12/27/atlantic-city-mayor-donald-guardian-next-toms-river-administrator/984304001/ "Atlantic City mayor Donald Guardian to be next Toms River administrator"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225928/https://www.app.com/story/news/politics/2017/12/27/atlantic-city-mayor-donald-guardian-next-toms-river-administrator/984304001/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, December 27, 2017. Accessed January 18, 2018. "Atlantic City Mayor Donald Guardian has weathered tough economic times in his city – the reason Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher says Guardian is the right person to take over as the township's new business administrator. The Township Council approved Guardian's appointment on Tuesday night. He will replace outgoing Business Administrator Paul Shives, Kelaher said."

{{As of|2024}}, the Mayor of Toms River is Republican Daniel T. Rodrick, whose term of office expires December 31, 2027.[https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/271/Mayors-Office Mayor's Office] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127055304/https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/271/Mayors-Office|date=January 27, 2022}}, Township of Toms River. Accessed April 10, 2022. Township Council members are Council President Craig Coleman (R, at-large, 2027), Council Vice President Lynne O'Toole (R, at-large, 2027), Thomas Nivison (at-large, 2027), Justin Lamb (R, Ward 1, 2025), George Lobman (R, Ward 2, 2027), James Quinlisk (R, Ward 3, 2025), and David Ciccozzi (R, Ward 4, 2025).{{Cite web |title=Township Council {{!}} Toms River Township, NJ |url=https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/233/Township-Council |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=www.tomsrivertownship.com |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225134947/https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/233/Township-Council |url-status=live }}[https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/DocumentCenter/View/3874/2022-Introduced-Budget?bidId= 2022 Municipal Data Sheet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014226/https://tomsrivertownship.com/DocumentCenter/View/3874/2022-Introduced-Budget?bidId=|date=June 27, 2022}}, Toms River Township. Accessed April 18, 2022.[https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmGovDirPage.aspx?ID=237 Township of Toms River] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415061617/https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmGovDirPage.aspx?ID=237|date=April 15, 2022}}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed April 18, 2022.[https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/70fc90f8-5e4e-4454-a3c1-8ca3d0911f87.pdf 2022 Ocean County & Municipal Elected Officials] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415061538/https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/70fc90f8-5e4e-4454-a3c1-8ca3d0911f87.pdf|date=April 15, 2022}}, Ocean County, New Jersey Clerk, updated April 1, 2022. Accessed April 18, 2022.[https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/07aecb2a-f6ce-4ef4-a6c3-7b7546fc9e3f.pdf 2021 General Election Official Results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504064231/https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/07aecb2a-f6ce-4ef4-a6c3-7b7546fc9e3f.pdf|date=May 4, 2022}}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed January 1, 2022.[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Ocean/98863/web/#/summary 2019 General Election Official Results November 5, 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216043249/https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Ocean/98863/web/#/summary|date=February 16, 2022}}, Ocean County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 15, 2019. Accessed January 1, 2020.

File:Ocean County Courthouse.jpg in the mainland portion of Toms River was built in 1851.]]

Toms River is located in the 4th Congressional District[https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/documents/2021/Data2021/Plan%20Components.pdf 2022 Redistricting Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028193337/https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/documents/2021/Data2021/Plan%20Components.pdf |date=October 28, 2022 }}, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 8, 2022. and is part of New Jersey's 10th state legislative district.[https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120165412/https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf |date=November 20, 2021 }}, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.[https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf 2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105221009/https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf |date=November 5, 2019 }}, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#40 Districts by Number for 2011–2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714024328/https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#40 |date=July 14, 2019 }}, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.

{{NJ Congress 04}} {{NJ Senate}}

{{NJ Legislative 10}}

{{NJ Ocean County Commissioners}}

{{As of|2023|November}}, there were a total of 71,672 registered voters in Toms River Township.[https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2023/2023-official-general-result-ballotscast-ocean.pdf Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast November 7, 2023 General Election Results Ocean County], New Jersey Department of State, May 30, 2024. Accessed August 17, 2024. Among the township's 2010 Census population, 65.7% (vs. 63.2% in Ocean County) were registered to vote, including 83.6% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 82.6% countywide).[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-ocean-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary – Ocean] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617094855/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-ocean-co-summary-report.pdf|date=June 17, 2013}}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed January 2, 2013.[https://www.census.gov GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 – State – County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/ |date=December 27, 1996 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 2, 2013.

In the 2016 presidential election, Republican Donald Trump received 64.7% of the vote (28,545 cast), ahead of Democrat Hillary Clinton with 32.4% (14,287 votes), and other candidates with 3.0% (1,315 votes), among the 44,147 ballots cast by the township's voters. In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 57.0% of the vote (22,773 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 42.0% (16,776 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (408 votes), among the 40,235 ballots cast by the township's 62,614 registered voters (278 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 64.3%.{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-presidential-ocean.pdf |title=Presidential General Election Results – November 6, 2012 – Ocean County |date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225063448/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-presidential-ocean.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-ballotscast-ocean.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast – November 6, 2012 – General Election Results – Ocean County |date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=December 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225063852/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-ballotscast-ocean.pdf |url-status=live }} In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 57.2% of the vote (25,881 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 40.8% (18,439 votes) and other candidates with 1.3% (600 votes), among the 45,215 ballots cast by the township's 62,909 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.9%.[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-ocean.pdf 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Ocean County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617085529/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-ocean.pdf |date=June 17, 2013 }}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed January 2, 2013. In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 60.7% of the vote (26,203 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 38.1% (16,467 votes) and other candidates with 0.6% (360 votes), among the 43,170 ballots cast by the township's 59,544 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 72.5.[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_ocean_co_2004_1.26.05.pdf 2004 Presidential Election: Ocean County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617083206/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_ocean_co_2004_1.26.05.pdf |date=June 17, 2013 }}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed January 2, 2013.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 74.5% of the vote (19,317 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 24.2% (6,269 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (330 votes), among the 26,470 ballots cast by the township's 61,593 registered voters (554 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 43.0%.{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-ocean.pdf |title=Governor – Ocean County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134020/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-ocean.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-ocean.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast – November 5, 2013 – General Election Results – Ocean County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133316/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-ocean.pdf |url-status=live }} In the 2017 gubernatorial election, Republican Kim Guadagno received 62.3% of the vote (15,744 cast), ahead of Democrat Phil Murphy with 35.3% (8,929 votes), and other candidates with 2.3% (593 votes), among the 25,266 ballots cast by Township's voters. In the 2021 gubernatorial election, of the 32,686 ballots cast by Township voters, Republican Jack Ciattarelli received 69.5% of the vote (22,728 cast), ahead of incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy with 29.8% (9,732 votes), and other candidates with 0.7% (226 votes).{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2021 |title=2021 General Election Results - Governor - Ocean |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2021/2021-general-election-results-governor-ocean.pdf |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=NJ.gov |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523141821/https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/2021/2021-general-election-results-governor-ocean.pdf |url-status=live }}

Students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade attend the Toms River Regional Schools, a regional public school system (centered primarily in Toms River Township) that is the largest suburban school district in New Jersey. In addition to students from Toms River, the district also serves the adjoining boroughs of Beachwood, Pine Beach and South Toms River.[http://www.nj.gov/education/pr/1415/narrative/29/5190/000.html Toms River Regional School District 2015 Report Card Narrative] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719052716/http://www.nj.gov/education/pr/1415/narrative/29/5190/000.html |date=July 19, 2016 }}, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed July 11, 2016. "Toms River Regional is the largest suburban school district in the state, with a population of approximately 16,000 students learning in a pre-kindergarten early learning center, twelve elementary schools, three intermediate schools and three high schools. Despite its size, the district takes enormous pride in providing a neighborhood school concept with high-quality educational programs, facilities, and services for students from our four sending towns of Beachwood, Pine Beach, South Toms River, and Toms River." It is the largest suburban school district in the state, and the fourth largest school district in New Jersey (after Newark, Jersey City and Paterson).[http://www.planning.co.ocean.nj.us/econdev.htm Ocean County Economic Development Fast Facts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329185225/http://www.planning.co.ocean.nj.us/econdev.htm |date=March 29, 2018 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed July 12, 2012. "Toms River Regional School District in the largest suburban district in New Jersey, fourth largest overall with 18,000 students." It is also the largest school district in the state that is not an Abbott District. As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of 18 schools, had an enrollment of 15,472 students and 1,171.6 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 13.2:1.[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3416230&DistrictID=3416230 District information for Toms River Regional School District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041848/https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3416230&DistrictID=3416230 |date=December 1, 2017 }}, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.

Schools in the district (with 2018–19 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3416230 School Data for the Toms River Regional Schools] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806141148/https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3416230 |date=August 6, 2017 }}, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.) are:

• Beachwood Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/Beachwood Beachwood Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617142210/https://www.trschools.com/Beachwood/ |date=June 17, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (with 480 students; in grades K–5)
• Cedar Grove Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/cedargrove Cedar Grove Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619105346/https://www.trschools.com/cedargrove/ |date=June 19, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (889; Pre-K–5)
• Joseph A. Citta Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/citta Joseph A. Citta School Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623024646/https://www.trschools.com/citta/ |date=June 23, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (569; K–5)
• East Dover Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/eastdover East Dover Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620203441/https://www.trschools.com/eastdover/ |date=June 20, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (702; Pre-K–5)
• Hooper Avenue Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/hooperave Hooper Avenue Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622123352/https://www.trschools.com/hooperave/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (720; K–5)
• North Dover Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/northdover North Dover Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623005250/https://www.trschools.com/northdover/ |date=June 23, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (519; K–5)
• Pine Beach Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/pinebeach Pine Beach Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622192054/https://www.trschools.com/pinebeach/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (435; K–5)
• Silver Bay Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/silverbay Silver Bay Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621130007/https://www.trschools.com/silverbay/ |date=June 21, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (637; Pre-K–5)
• South Toms River Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/southtr South Toms River Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622233211/https://www.trschools.com/southtr/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (320; K–5)
• Walnut Street Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/walnutst Walnut Street Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619091307/https://www.trschools.com/walnutst/ |date=June 19, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (757; K–5)
• Washington Street Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/washingtonst Washington Street Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622183902/https://www.trschools.com/washingtonst/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (369; K–5)
• West Dover Elementary School[https://www.trschools.com/westdover West Dover Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622200124/https://www.trschools.com/westdover/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (383; K–5)
• Toms River Intermediate East[https://www.trschools.com/ieast Toms River Intermediate East] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622213511/https://www.trschools.com/ieast/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (1,420; 6–8)
• Toms River Intermediate North[https://www.trschools.com/inorth/ Toms River Intermediate North] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201044750/https://www.trschools.com/inorth/ |date=December 1, 2022 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed November 30, 2022. (1,191; 6–8)
• Toms River Intermediate South[https://www.trschools.com/isouth Toms River Intermediate South] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622232858/https://www.trschools.com/isouth/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (1,113; 6–8)
• Toms River High School East[https://www.trschools.com/hseast/ Toms River High School East] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621165933/https://www.trschools.com/hseast/ |date=June 21, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (1,416; 9–12)
• Toms River High School North[https://www.trschools.com/hsnorth/ Toms River High School North] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621151205/https://www.trschools.com/hsnorth/ |date=June 21, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (2,052; 9–12)
• Toms River High School South[https://www.trschools.com/hssouth/ Toms River High School South] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622171628/https://www.trschools.com/hssouth/ |date=June 22, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. (1,402; 9–12).[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//edccc918-3b07-4550-b248-edc5434cdafe.pdf#page=67 Public Schools Directory 2019-2020; Living & Learning in Ocean County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617141303/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//edccc918-3b07-4550-b248-edc5434cdafe.pdf#page=67 |date=June 17, 2020 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed June 17, 2020.[https://homeroom6.doe.state.nj.us/directory/school/districtid/5190 New Jersey School Directory for the Toms River Regional Schools] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226011034/https://homeroom6.doe.state.nj.us/directory/school/districtid/5190 |date=February 26, 2024 }}, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.

Seats on the district's nine-member board of education are allocated based on the population of the constituent municipalities, with six seats assigned to Toms River.[https://www.trschools.com/Administration/boe Board of Education] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617141302/https://www.trschools.com/Administration/boe |date=June 17, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. "The Toms River Board of Education is comprised of nine elected members. Six are elected from Toms River Township, and one each from the Boroughs of Pine Beach, Beachwood and South Toms River."[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0141&id=0e1d1b55c5644d6496660d0d1c675905 Toms River Regional Board of Education District Policy 0141 - Board Member Number and Term] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618102054/https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0141&id=0e1d1b55c5644d6496660d0d1c675905 |date=June 18, 2020 }}, Toms River Regional Schools. Accessed June 17, 2020. "The Board of Education shall consist of 9 members, representing Toms River (6 members), the Borough of Beachwood (1 member), the Borough of Pine Beach (1 member) and the Borough of South Toms River (1 member)."

Donovan Catholic High School, Ocean County's only Catholic high school, operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton.[http://www.mondonhs.com/ Home page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813024607/http://www.mondonhs.com/ |date=August 13, 2013 }}, Monsignor Donovan High School. Accessed August 13, 2013. The diocese also operates St. Joseph's Grade School for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.[https://dioceseoftrenton.org/schoolfinder School Finder] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128202508/https://dioceseoftrenton.org/schoolfinder |date=November 28, 2020 }}, Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton. Accessed June 17, 2020.

Ocean County College, a two-year college that offers four-year options in cooperation with other New Jersey colleges and universities, is located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River.[http://www.ocean.edu/welcome/fast_facts.htm Ocean County College] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702111714/http://www.ocean.edu/welcome/fast_facts.htm |date=July 2, 2012 }}, Ocean County College. Accessed July 11, 2012. In May 2014, The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation announced a $5.7 million donation (equivalent to ${{Inflation|index=US|value=5.7|start_year=2014}} million in {{Inflation/year|index=US}}) to establish The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts, the largest single donation received in OCC's 50-year history.Nee, Daniel. [http://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/ocean-county-college-receives-57m-donation "Ocean County College Receives $5.7M Donation; Donation announced during recent commencement ceremony"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402122348/http://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/ocean-county-college-receives-57m-donation |date=April 2, 2015 }}, Toms River Patch, May 26, 2014. Accessed March 31, 2016.

The Asbury Park Press provides daily news coverage of Toms River Township, as does WOBM-FM radio. The township's government provides columns and commentary to The Toms River Times, which is one of seven weekly papers from Micromedia Publications.[http://micromediapubs.com/toms-river/ The Toms River Times] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729085812/http://micromediapubs.com/toms-river |date=July 29, 2016 }}, Micromedia Publications. Accessed July 28, 2016. "First published in 2005. Serving Toms River Township in Ocean County, New Jersey"

WOBM-FM radio started broadcasting from the Bayville section of Berkeley Township in March 1968. The station relocated to studios in Toms River in 2013.Michaels, Shawn. [https://wobm.com/wobm-is-moving-join-us-for-a-look-back-at-nearly-45-years/ "WOBM Is Moving – Join Us For A Look Back At Nearly 45 Years"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321215156/https://wobm.com/wobm-is-moving-join-us-for-a-look-back-at-nearly-45-years/ |date=March 21, 2023 }}, WOBM-FM, January 20, 2013. Accessed March 21, 2023. "Townsquare Media has designed and constructed a new state of the art facility in Downtown Toms River (8 Robbins Street) and we are very excited to begin the new chapter for your 'Hometown' Station 92.7 WOBM. WOBM went on the air March 1, 1968 in these Bayville studios ....in the middle of a snowstorm!"

File:2021-05-27 12 22 23 View south along U.S. Route 9 and New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) from the overpass for Ocean County Route 527 (Lakehurst Road) in Toms River Township, Ocean County, New Jersey.jpg and U.S. Route 9 in Toms River]]

{{As of|2010|5}}, the township had a total of {{convert|453.89|mi}} of roadways, of which {{convert|351.13|mi}} were maintained by the municipality, {{convert|72.45|mi}} by Ocean County, {{convert|24.04|mi}} by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and {{convert|6.27|mi}} by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Ocean.pdf Ocean County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102145105/http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Ocean.pdf |date=January 2, 2020 }}, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 24, 2014.

Toms River is crisscrossed by several major roadways, including the Garden State Parkway and US 9, as well as Route 35, Route 37, Route 70, Route 166, CR 527, CR 530, CR 549 (as well as it spur), and CR 571.

Two of the most congested roads are Hooper Avenue (CR 549) and Route 37, which sees extra traffic from travelers to the Jersey shore during the summertime, due to it being a main artery to the shore from the Garden State Parkway at interchange 82. The township is also home to one of the state's only at-grade cloverleafs, at the intersection of Hooper Avenue (CR 549) and Bay Avenue (CR 571).{{cite web|url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=1201+Hooper+Avenue,+Toms+River,+New+Jersey,+United+States&um=1&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl|title=Google Maps|website=Google Maps|access-date=June 27, 2018|archive-date=July 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225907/https://www.google.co.uk/gen_204?v=3&s=tactile&action=vtworker&srt=771&tbsrt=845&tran=15&conn=onchange&ei=ONOxZIviGOHCkPIP642A4AI&cad=vws:2985.7299998402596,cr:wccf10,ct:2,jsv:20230712.0,cz:17,w:1399,h:2535,sc:0,drv:m&e=10202786,10202788,10203448,10203509,10203917,10203920,10204121,10204258,10204417,10205027,10205123,10205511,10205524,10205539,10205640,10206556,10206833,10206906,10206920,10206965,10207115,10207116,10207203,10207204,10207256,10207261,10207274,10207289,10207320,10207358,10203575,1381033,1368782,1368785,47025228,4592408,4640515,4897086,47068192,4940989,1375050,4536287,47049320,47054629&atyp=csi&rt=noop.0|url-status=live}}

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority proposed in 1971 to build the Driscoll Expressway which was to start from exit 80 of the parkway and end {{convert|3|mi|km}} north of exit 8A of the New Jersey Turnpike in South Brunswick. This project was killed in 1980.Crane, Mark via Associated Press. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xswhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YJ4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1481,7139692&dq=driscoll-expressway+toms-river&hl=en "What's right in 'right of way'; Roadway devours homes, farms"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119100342/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xswhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YJ4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1481,7139692&dq=driscoll-expressway+toms-river&hl=en |date=November 19, 2015 }}, The Nevada Daily Mail, March 13, 1981. Accessed September 18, 2013. "The authority finally declared the Alfred E. Driscoll Expressway project dormant last year after almost a decade of planning, legal battles and land acquisitions that totalled $17 million.... Land values have increased significantly in the past seven years and some parcels have doubled or tripled in value since the authority purchased 100 tracts of land from some 30 or 40 owners along a 38-mile strip from Toms River to North Brunswick."

The major bus station in Toms River is located downtown, off exit 81 of the Garden State Parkway.[http://www.njtransit.com/ti/ti_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusTerminalsTo Bus Terminals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084222/http://www.njtransit.com/ti/ti_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusTerminalsTo |date=March 27, 2018 }}, NJ Transit. Accessed December 31, 2016. The township is served by NJ Transit bus routes 67 (to Newark and Journal Square), 137 (to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Midtown Manhattan), 319 (PABT in New York City and the Atlantic City Bus Terminal), and 559 (to the Atlantic City Bus Terminal).[https://web.archive.org/web/20090522212313/http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusRoutesOceanCountyTo Ocean County Bus/Rail Connections], NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 22, 2009. Accessed July 20, 2011.[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/ReferenceGuide.pdf#page=9 Ocean Ride Rider's Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627011911/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/ReferenceGuide.pdf#page=9 |date=June 27, 2015 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed July 1, 2015. Bus service to the Financial District in Lower Manhattan is also made available via the Academy Bus Line.[https://academybus.com/commuter#park-ride Academy Bus Park & Ride] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614163128/https://academybus.com/commuter#park-ride |date=June 14, 2023 }}, Accessed June 18, 2023. Toms River Park & Ride is located in the township off of the Garden State Parkway at exit 81. It is an express route to New York City during peak rush-hour.[https://www.academybus.com/commuters/park-and-ride.aspx Academy Bus Park & Ride] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309065615/https://www.academybus.com/Commuters/Park-and-Ride.aspx |date=March 9, 2023 }}, Accessed March 9, 2023.

Ocean Ride local service is provided on the OC1 Whiting, OC1A Whiting Express, OC2 Manchester, OC3 Brick – Lakewood – Toms River, OC3A Brick – Point Pleasant and the OC10 Toms River Connection routes.[http://www.gmtma.org/pg-bus-ocean.php Ocean County Bus Service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814190256/http://gmtma.org/pg-bus-ocean.php |date=August 14, 2015 }}, Greater Mercer TMA. Accessed August 12, 2015.[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/ReferenceGuide.pdf#page=9 Ocean Ride Rider's Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627011911/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/ReferenceGuide.pdf#page=9 |date=June 27, 2015 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed August 12, 2015.[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/TransitMap.pdf Ocean County Transit Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205314/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/TransitMap.pdf |date=September 23, 2015 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed August 12, 2015.

The Central Railroad of New Jersey and Pennsylvania Railroad ended service to the township in the late 1940s. The nearest rail station is the terminus of the North Jersey Coast Line in Bay Head. Service is currently being evaluated to nearby Lakehurst on the proposed Monmouth Ocean Middlesex Line.[http://www.planning.co.ocean.nj.us/mom.htm Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex Line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622165930/http://www.planning.co.ocean.nj.us/mom.htm |date=June 22, 2015 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey Department of Planning. Accessed July 20, 2011.

The Robert J. Miller Air Park, a public-use airport, is located in Berkeley Township, {{convert|5|mi}} southwest of the central business district.[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/ocparks/ContentPage.aspx?ID=4c8c91e5-8b8e-4cae-a7e1-b52777805101 R. J. Miller Ocean County Airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815115816/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OCParks/ContentPage.aspx?ID=4c8c91e5-8b8e-4cae-a7e1-b52777805101 |date=August 15, 2014 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed August 14, 2014.

Community Medical Center, with 587 beds, had been the state's largest non-teaching hospital.Bennett, Don. [https://archive.today/20130131212227/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1712974391.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+03,+2008&author=DON+BENNETT&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=County+gets+behind+hospital's+bid+for+heart+certification&pqatl=google "County gets behind hospital's bid for heart certification"], Asbury Park Press, March 3, 2008. Accessed July 11, 2012. "Three years ago, Kelly said, Community's bid was approved by all the boards that reviewed it, but was rejected by the then-commissioner of health – despite Community's being the largest non-teaching hospital in the state, with 587 beds, and its affiliation with two cardiac surgery centers: Beth Israel and St. Barnabas." Community Medical Center became a teaching hospital in 2021, after being approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and beginning with a group of 27 residents.Diamond, Michael L. [https://www.app.com/story/news/health/2021/07/08/community-medical-center-toms-river-residents-teaching-hospital/7818989002/ "Community Medical Center takes big step as teaching hospital with first class of residents"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225903/https://www.app.com/story/news/health/2021/07/08/community-medical-center-toms-river-residents-teaching-hospital/7818989002/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, July 8, 2021. Accessed November 27, 2022. "Community Medical Center's leaders on Wednesday inaugurated the first class of residents in the hospital's 60-year history, placing long white coats over their shoulders and urging them to practice medicine with compassion. The ceremony put a stamp on Community's new designation as a teaching hospital.... The hospital was approved by the American College of Graduate Medical Education as a teaching hospital, and it spent millions to renovate a floor for the residents and to hire faculty, said Patrick Ahearn, chief executive officer."

File:Greattr.jpg

• Toms River has been featured in television, including MTV which filmed three episodes of the show Made and scenes from MTV's Jersey Shore there.
• The toxic dumping that occurred in Toms River in 2001 was the subject of the 2013, Pulitzer Prize winning book Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin.Zuger, Abigail. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/health/on-the-trail-of-cancer-a-review-of-toms-river-by-dan-fagin.html "On the Trail of Cancer: A Review of Toms River by Dan Fagin"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911073100/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/health/on-the-trail-of-cancer-a-review-of-toms-river-by-dan-fagin.html |date=September 11, 2017 }}, The New York Times, March 19, 2013. Accessed October 5, 2016.
• Toms River is home to many beaches located along the Jersey Shore, including Ortley Beach, Normandy Beach, Monterey Beach, Ocean Beach, Chadwick Beach, and Silver Beach.
• The New Jersey Chili and Salsa Cook-Off, as well as the New Jersey Ice Cream Festival are held in Toms River.Staff. [https://archive.today/20130131134917/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1729195111.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=May+19,+2007&author=&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Thousands+flock+to+state+chili+and+salsa+cookoff+in+Toms+River&pqatl=google "Thousands flock to state chili and salsa cookoff in Toms River"], Asbury Park Press, May 19, 2007. Accessed July 11, 2012.
• The Toms River Branch of Ocean County Library is the headquarters of the Ocean County Library system and the largest public library in Ocean County. In January 2006, a renovation project was completed that doubled the size of the facility.[http://theoceancountylibrary.org/branches/tr/trvirtualtour2.pdf Virtual Tour of the Toms River Branch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223092510/http://theoceancountylibrary.org/Branches/TR/trvirtualtour2.pdf |date=December 23, 2012 }}, Ocean County Library. Accessed January 2, 2013.
• Toms River is home to Artisan's Brewery.Pellegrino, Michael. [https://books.google.com/books?id=trySQQAACAAJ Jersey Brew: The Story of Beer in New Jersey.], (Wantage, NJ: Pellegrino & Feldstein, 2009). {{ISBN|9780976523314}}.New Jersey Craft Beer. [http://newjerseycraftbeer.com/new-jersey-breweries/ "New Jersey Breweries & Brewpubs – contact info, tours, tastings and more"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728070336/http://newjerseycraftbeer.com/new-jersey-breweries/ |date=July 28, 2013 }}, April 10, 2013. Accessed August 14, 2014.
• The 1979 movie The Amityville Horror was filmed in Toms River, rather than Amityville on Long Island. Local police and ambulance workers played extras. The Toms River Volunteer Fire Company Number One was used to provide the "rain" during one of the exterior scenes. If you look closely, you can see that it is sunny and not "raining" in the background, the next street over.Taylor, Clarke. [https://archive.today/20130216161112/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/650927342.html?dids=650927342:650927342&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+26,+1978&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc='AMITYVILLE+HORROR'+IN+SOME+NEW+JERSEY+HAUNTS&pqatl=google "'Amityville Horror' In Some New Jersey Haunts"], Los Angeles Times, November 26, 1978. Accessed January 2, 2013.
• Downtown Toms River hosts many community events, including festivals such as Toms River Pride and the second largest Halloween parade in the world. The official logo is a 'T' with a river, forming an 'R', through it. The slogan is "Great Places. Familiar Faces."Reiss, Fraidy. [https://archive.today/20120719143237/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1730992441.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+04,+2007&author=FRAIDY+REISS&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Students+restore+cannon&pqatl=google "Students restore cannon"], Asbury Park Press, "Right there in town hall, for all the world to see, the town whose slogan boasts 'Great places, familiar faces' recently began displaying a black, functional, 500-pound swivel cannon."
• Toms River gained some notoriety in 1984 when local businessman Robert O. Marshall was charged with (and later convicted of) the contract killing of his wife, Maria. The case attracted the attention of true crime author Joe McGinniss, whose bestselling book on the Marshall case, Blind Faith, was published in 1989 and adapted into an Emmy-nominated 1990 television miniseries starring Robert Urich and Joanna Kerns.Staff. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WE&s_site=kansas&p_multi=WE&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADB38E9466473A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Shooting of Blind Faith Begins"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523104712/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WE&s_site=kansas&p_multi=WE&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADB38E9466473A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=May 23, 2013 }}, The Wichita Eagle, November 5, 1989. Accessed February 15, 2012. "Shooting has started in Los Angeles on the NBC miniseries, "Blind Faith." It is based on the Joe McGinniss book about the murder of Toms River, N.J., housewife Maria Marshall."
• The Toms River post office also serves South Toms River, parts of Manchester, and parts of Berkeley.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}

{{Category see also|People from Toms River, New Jersey}}

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Toms River include:{{div col}}

• Platt Adams (1885–1961), athlete who won a gold medal in the standing high jump and a silver medal in the standing long jump at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholmvia Associated Press. [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B01E0DD103CEF33A25750C0A9659C946091D6CF "Platt Adams, 75, Athlete, Is Dead; Won Standing High Jump at 1912 Olympics – Ex-Chief Jersey Boxing Inspector"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415223719/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B01E0DD103CEF33A25750C0A9659C946091D6CF |date=April 15, 2016 }}, The New York Times, March 3, 1961. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Normandy Beach, N. J. (AP) – Platt Adams, a former Olympic gold medal winner, died Monday at his home."
• Corey Albano (born 1975), former professional basketball playerEdelson, Stephen. [http://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2016/02/16/jersey-shores-greatest-basketball-players-1990s/80372470/ "Watch: Shore's greatest hoops players of the 90s"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225904/https://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2016/02/16/jersey-shores-greatest-basketball-players-1990s/80372470/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, February 16, 2016. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Corey Albano, Toms River South (1993) – Albano produced a rare double as a senior for the Indians, leading the Shore in both scoring (29.8 ppg) and rebounding (15.1 rpg), to go with 4.2 blocks."
• Rich Alercio (born 1965), college football coach who was head coach of the Castleton Spartans football team[https://tcnjathletics.com/news/2008/2/28/richalercio.aspx "TCNJ's Alercio named head coach at Castleton State"], TCNJ Lions, February 28, 2008. Accessed January 26, 2025. "A graduate of Toms River North High School, Alercio returned to his alma mater in 1988 serving as an assistant football coach."
• Casey Bahr (born 1948), soccer defender who played one season in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League, and was a member of the U.S. soccer team at the 1972 Summer OlympicsFremon, Suzanne S. [https://www.nytimes.com/1972/08/13/archives/state-has-13-on-olympic-team.html "State Has 13 on Olympic Team"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623070724/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/08/13/archives/state-has-13-on-olympic-team.html |date=June 23, 2019 }}, The New York Times, August 13, 1972. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Casey Bahr of Toms River, a lieutenant, j.g., in the United States Navy with the Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron, is a member of the United States Olympic soccer team."
• Darian Barnes (born 1980), former NFL fullbackEdelson, Stephen. [https://archive.today/20130131154016/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1732800411.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+09,+2007&author=STEPHEN+EDELSON&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Toms+River's+Barnes+returns+to+N.J.+with+Jets&pqatl=google "Toms River's Barnes returns to N.J. with Jets"], Asbury Park Press, March 9, 2007. Accessed April 6, 2011. "Darian Barnes' professional football odyssey came full circle Thursday when the Toms River native signed a free agent contract with the Jets, nearly five years after he began his NFL career by being released by the Giants during training camp in 2002."
• Alex Blackwell (born 1970), former NBA forward for the Los Angeles LakersDenman, Elliott. [https://archive.today/20120713214833/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1851910571.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+13,+1999&author=ELLIOTT+DENMAN&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Shore+Hall+of+Fame+inducts+17&pqatl=google "Shore Hall of Fame inducts 17"], Asbury Park Press, May 13, 1999. "Alex Blackwell, a Toms River North and Monmouth College basketball player who spent a year with the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and several more seasons in international professional competition."
• Carolyn Blank (born 1988), retired soccer player who played for Sky Blue FC[https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/new-jersey-native-signs-with-sky-blue-fc/n-4124959 "New Jersey Native Signs with Sky Blue FC"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813130012/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/new-jersey-native-signs-with-sky-blue-fc/n-4124959 |date=August 13, 2023 }}, Our Sports Central, December 6, 2010. Accessed August 13, 2023. "The team formally announced today that midfielder Carolyn Blank, who is a native of Toms River, New Jersey, will be joining the organization in 2011 when it aims to return the league championship to the Garden State."
• Rachel Bolan (born 1966), bass guitar player and main songwriter of the metal band Skid RowMakin, Bob. [http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/things-to-do/2017/11/03/skid-row-guitarist-dave-snake-sabo-starland-ballroom/818533001/ "Skid Row guitarist Dave 'Snake' Sabo returns home to Sayreville to rock Starland Ballroom"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924221422/https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/things-to-do/2017/11/03/skid-row-guitarist-dave-snake-sabo-starland-ballroom/818533001/ |date=September 24, 2020 }}, Courier News, November 3, 2017. Accessed November 22, 2017. "After more than 30 years of making music together, Skid Row's three original members – guitarists Dave 'Snake' Sabo and Scotti Hill and bassist Rachel Bolan – never take their success for granted, Sayreville-raised Sabo said.... But when that opportunity went to Richie Sambora, the childhood friends from Robin Place and Robin Hood Drive in Sayreville became management mates at McGhee Entertainment soon after Sabo formed Skid Row with Toms River-raised Bolan in 1986."
• Tom Brown Jr. (born 1950), naturalist, tracker, survivalist, and authorOsborne, James. [http://articles.philly.com/2011-06-26/news/29705400_1_brown-legend-pinelands-outdoorsman "Tracker gains big following even as some say tales stray; Many disciples, and a few skeptics, for outspoken Pinelands outdoorsman."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055536/http://articles.philly.com/2011-06-26/news/29705400_1_brown-legend-pinelands-outdoorsman |date=March 4, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 26, 2011. Accessed August 14, 2014. "Brown, who grew up near Toms River, N.J., founded his school in 1978 after spending his 20s living in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains and Central America for extended periods."
• Don Browne (1943–2023), media executive who was president of Telemundo following a tenure at NBC NewsRobinson, Trina. [https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/remembering-the-life-and-legacy-of-former-wtvj-gm-don-browne-who-died-at-80/3101851/ "Remembering the life and legacy of former WTVJ GM Don Browne, who died at 80"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831065645/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/remembering-the-life-and-legacy-of-former-wtvj-gm-don-browne-who-died-at-80/3101851/ |date=August 31, 2023 }}, WTVJ, August 30, 2023. Accessed August 31, 2023. "Browne was born in Toms River, New Jersey and attended the University of South Carolina on a football scholarship -- where he began his quest for honest journalism and storytelling."
• Mike Bucci (born 1972), semi-retired professional wrestler best known for his appearances in Extreme Championship Wrestling as Nova, Super Nova, and "Hollywood" Nova, and in World Wrestling Entertainment as Simon DeanMelok, Bobby. [http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-simon-dean-26515513 "Where Are They Now?: Simon Dean"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102063033/http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-simon-dean-26515513 |date=November 2, 2015 }}, WWE, August 6, 2014. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Growing up in Toms River, N.J., Mike Bucci was a huge wrestling fan."
• Andrew Campbell (born 1984), yachtsman who represented the United States in Laser sailing competition at the 2008 Summer OlympicsMunson, John. [http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/05/americas_cup_racing_comes_to_hudson_river_with_nj.html "America's Cup racing comes to Hudson River with N.J. native on Team USA"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912191721/http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/05/americas_cup_racing_comes_to_hudson_river_with_nj.html |date=September 12, 2016 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 6, 2016. Accessed November 22, 2017. "'As a boy from Toms River sailing in the Barnegat Bay Yacht Racing Association, Campbell learned "to be adventurous and self reliant sailing with myself or one other person and exploring, getting stuck capsized in the river, and figuring out how to problem solve with sailing as the mechanism for that learning'.... At age eight his family moved from Toms River to San Diego where the weather is nearly perfect year round."
• Sean Cashman (born 1987), baseball coach in the Texas Rangers organization who was head coach of the Saint Peter's Peacocks during the 2013 season[http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=126627 Sean Cashman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713172847/http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=126627 |date=July 13, 2019 }}, The Baseball Cube. Accessed September 23, 2019. "Born Date: 1987 [32.???] Place: Toms River, New Jersey High School: Toms River North (Toms River, NJ)"
• Michael Chack (born 1971), former competitive figure skater who finished third at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1993Bondy, Filip. [https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/24/sports/figure-skating-kerrigan-and-davis-win-titles.html "Figure Skating; Kerrigan And Davis Win Titles"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044059/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/24/sports/figure-skating-kerrigan-and-davis-win-titles.html |date=December 1, 2017 }}, The New York Times, January 24, 1993. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Michael Chack of Toms River, N.J., was the surprise third-place finisher."
• Syma Chowdhry, television news reporter in Philadelphia at KYW-TVEichel, Molly. [http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/television/Temple-grad-Syma-Chowdhry-officially-joins-CBS3.html "Temple grad Syma Chowdhry officially joins CBS3"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814195441/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/television/Temple-grad-Syma-Chowdhry-officially-joins-CBS3.html |date=August 14, 2014 }}, Philadelphia Daily News, October 2, 2013. Accessed August 14, 2014. "Originally hailing from Toms River, N.J, Chowdhry began her career in 2004 in Raleigh, N.C., and was a familiar face on "News 12 New Jersey" in Edison and a reporter for The University Network in Jersey City."
• Danny Clinch (born 1964), photographerCotter, Kelly-Jane. [http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/ENT/70930004/1031/business "That Old Bruce 'Magic': Springsteen, E Street Band won't be doing a disappearing act anytime soon"]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Asbury Park Press, September 30, 2007. Accessed October 19, 2007. "Clinch, whose company is in Manhattan but who lives in Toms River, is especially proud of the portrait that runs across the center panel of the CD sleeve."
• Chris Connor (1927–2009), jazz singerHolden, Stephen. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/arts/music/01connor.html "Chris Connor, Jazz Singer Whose Voice Embodied a Wistful Cool, Dies at 81"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009160827/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/arts/music/01connor.html |date=October 9, 2017 }}, The New York Times, September 1, 2009. Accessed April 6, 2011. "Chris Connor, the great jazz singer whose lush, foggy voice and compressed emotional intensity distilled a 1950s jazz reverie of faraway longing in a sad café, died on Saturday in Toms River, N.J. She was 81 and lived in Toms River."
• Christopher J. Connors (born 1956), member of the New Jersey Senate since 2008, where he represents the 9th Legislative DistrictStaff. [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/148078806/ "Mayor got his ears wet in politics as a tot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923175658/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/148078806/ |date=September 23, 2019 }}, Asbury Park Press, January 27, 1986. Accessed September 23, 2019. "In 1978, he moved to Dover Township and took his first job with Citizens' State Bank, where he rose to assistant vice president."
• John Cudia (born 1970), Broadway actor and singerSnyder, Kayla. [https://usatodayhss.com/2016/kathy-voytko-and-john-cudia-qa "Kathy Voytko and John Cudia Q&A"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923171822/https://usatodayhss.com/2016/kathy-voytko-and-john-cudia-qa |date=September 23, 2019 }}, USA Today High School Sports, February 15, 2016. Accessed September 23, 2019. "John: I grew up in Toms River, NJ. I think it made pursuing my dreams easier because I was so close to New York City."
• Marguerite de Angeli (1889–1987), writer and illustrator of children's books including the 1950 Newbery Award winning book The Door in the WallLyon, Nancy. [https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/16/archives/the-last-days-of-a-bluecollar-resort-the-lots-will-be-grabbed-by.html "The Last Days of a Blue-Collar Resort"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031522/http://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/16/archives/the-last-days-of-a-bluecollar-resort-the-lots-will-be-grabbed-by.html |date=December 1, 2017 }}, The New York Times, September 16, 1973. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Marguerite de Angeli, who summered on Money Island with her family for many years, in 1947 wrote Jared's Island, a book about a Scottish boy who is shipwrecked, rescued by an American sea captain and taken to Money Island."
• Jerry Dipoto (born 1968), former professional baseball player and an executive who is the general manager of the Seattle MarinersSielski, Mike. [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203687504577004172942101402 "Heard on the Field"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627211202/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203687504577004172942101402 |date=June 27, 2019 }}, The Wall Street Journal, October 29, 2011. Accessed June 27, 2019. "Jerry DiPoto, a native of Toms River, N.J., who pitched for the Mets in 1995 and 1996, will be named the general manager of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during a news conference Saturday, a person with knowledge of the situation has confirmed."
• Ryan Doherty (born 1984), professional beach volleyball player who had been the first seven-foot-tall player in Minor League Baseball historyStump, Scott. [http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/men-action/201311/ryan-doherty-avp-volleyball-baseball-pitcher-diamondbacks-notre-dame "7-Foot-1 Pitcher Cut By Team In Minors Is Next Big Thing In Beach Volleyball"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906005335/http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/men-action/201311/ryan-doherty-avp-volleyball-baseball-pitcher-diamondbacks-notre-dame |date=September 6, 2015 }}, The Pst Game, November 19, 2013. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Doherty grew up in baseball-mad Toms River, N.J., home of the two-time Little League World Series champions and a trio of strong high school programs. After starring as a hard-throwing right-handed starter at Toms River High School East, Doherty became an All-Big East closer at Notre Dame in 2004."
• Howard Dvorkin (born 1965), chairman of debt.com, author and businessmanZweig, Jason; and Ensign, Rachel Louise. [https://www.wsj.com/articles/credit-counselor-has-ties-to-high-interest-lenders-1421119983 "Credit Counselor Has Ties to High-Interest Lenders; Consumer-Debt Adviser Howard Dvorkin Has Financial Links to Firms Such as Payday Lenders That Often Drive People Deeper into Debt"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130014758/https://www.wsj.com/articles/credit-counselor-has-ties-to-high-interest-lenders-1421119983 |date=November 30, 2019 }}, The Wall Street Journal, January 12, 2015. "Dvorkin, 50 years old, grew up in Toms River, N.J., where his father was a plumbing-supply distributor."
• Frankie Edgar (born 1981), former UFC Lightweight ChampionFeitl, Steve. [http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/SPORTS01/711150311/1002/sports "Back To His Roots: Frank Edgar part of fight card in UFC's return to New Jersey"]{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}, Home News Tribune, November 15, 2007. Accessed December 28, 2007. "After an accomplished wrestling career – one that saw him place twice at states while at Toms River High School East and qualify for nationals all four years as an All-American at Clarion University in Pennsylvania – Edgar chose to train for the combat sport that merges numerous disciplines from wrestling to jiu-jitsu to kickboxing."[http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=fighter.detail&pid=521 UFC Fighter Profile of Frank Edgar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308134729/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=fighter.detail&pid=521 |date=March 8, 2007 }}, Ultimate Fighting Championship. Accessed March 15, 2007.
• Lew Elverson (1912–1997), college football player and coach, track and field coach, and college athletics administratorWallace, Andy. [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118496443/lew-elverson-84-winning-college-coach/ "Lew Elverson, 84, winning college coach"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212192407/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118496443/lew-elverson-84-winning-college-coach/ |date=February 12, 2023 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 3, 1997. Accessed February 13, 2023, via Newspapers.com. "He later told a reporter he perfected his elusive running style at his home in Toms River, N.J., racing around trees on turf made slippery by a coating of pine needles."
• Jazmyn Foberg (born 2000), artistic gymnast who was the 2014 US Junior National All-Around and Uneven Bars Champion[https://usagym.org/pages/athletes/athleteListDetail.html?id=218276 Jazmyn Foberg] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912051625/https://usagym.org/pages/athletes/athleteListDetail.html?id=218276 |date=September 12, 2015 }}, USA Gymnastics. Accessed October 12, 2015.
• Marlene Lynch Ford (born 1954), politician, prosecutor and jurist who served in the New Jersey General AssemblyOglesby, Amanda. [http://www.app.com/story/news/local/toms-river-area/toms-river/2015/06/15/ocean-county-assignment-judge/71269592/ "Former prosecutor to lead Ocean County Superior Courts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714230406/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/toms-river-area/toms-river/2015/06/15/ocean-county-assignment-judge/71269592/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, June 15, 2015. Accessed March 27, 2016. "'There's something about coming home,' said Ford, who lives in Toms River. 'I'm in awe of the responsibility that has been placed on me by the chief justice.'"
• Jeff Frazier (born 1982), former professional baseball player for the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs, brother of Todd Frazier[http://scarletknights.com/baseball/news/release.asp?prID=9361 "Former Rutgers Standout Jeff Frazier Called Up To Detroit Tigers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108203502/http://scarletknights.com/baseball/news/release.asp?prID=9361 |date=January 8, 2011 }}, ScarletKnights.com, July 29, 2010.
• Todd Frazier (born 1986), professional baseball player for the New York Mets, 34th overall draft pick in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, brother of Jeff Frazier, Olympic silver medalistChristopher, Chris. [http://www.ocobserver.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/NEWS/706080322 "Frazier to Cincinnati; 34th overall"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812120429/http://www.ocobserver.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070608%2FNEWS%2F706080322 |date=August 12, 2007 }}, Ocean County Observer, June 8, 2007. "She had to do something to honor her cousin, Todd Frazier, the former Toms River High School South standout selected 34th in the supplemental first round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft yesterday by the Cincinnati Reds.... Todd Frazier of Toms River, right, was picked by the Cincinnati Reds yesterday."
• Julio M. Fuentes (born 1946), Senior United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, who is the first Hispanic judge to serve the Third Circuit[http://www.law.buffalo.edu/links/2016-November/alumni-fuentes.html "Judge Fuentes, the School of Law's highest-ranking federal jurist, honored for his career "] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118152446/http://www.law.buffalo.edu/links/2016-November/alumni-fuentes.html |date=November 18, 2018 }}, University at Buffalo Law School, November 2016. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Born and reared in Puerto Rico, Justice Fuentes grew up in Toms River, N. J., where his mother, a single parent, worked as a practical nurse."
• Mia Galeotalanza, contestant on Survivor: Vanuatu[http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor9/survivors/bios/mia.shtml Mia Galeotalanza profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102045542/http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor9/survivors/bios/mia.shtml |date=November 2, 2007 }}, Survivor: Vanuatu at CBS.com. Accessed October 24, 2007.
• Brian Geraghty (born 1974), actor, We Are Marshall (2006), The Guardian (2006), Bobby (2006) Jarhead (2005) and Chicago P.D. (2014)[https://web.archive.org/web/20071107193029/http://movies.nytimes.com/person/344547/Brian-Geraghty Brian Geraghty], The New York Times from Allmovie. Accessed April 6, 2011. "After viewing that performance, Geraghty – unclear after high school about where he wanted to go or what he wanted to do – made a beeline from his home of Toms River, NJ, to New York City's Neighborhood Playhouse, where he plunged headfirst into classical theater – and subsequently received a bid to audition for HBO's organized crime drama The Sopranos."
• Jared Gertner, stage actor who played a co-starring role in the first touring and London productions of The Book of MormonFilichia, Peter. [http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2008/06/little_shop_is_good_fit_for_di.html "'Little Shop' is good fit for diminutive actor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090723/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2008/06/little_shop_is_good_fit_for_di.html |date=August 19, 2014 }}, The Star-Ledger, June 5, 2008. Accessed August 14, 2014. "Jared Gertner, a native of Toms River, stars as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Paper Mill Playhouse."
• Frank Giannetti (born 1968), defensive tackle who played in the NFL who played for the Indianapolis Colts[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GianFr20.htm Frank Giannetti] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012012035/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GianFr20.htm |date=October 12, 2019 }}, Pro-Football-Reference.com. Accessed October 12, 2019. "Born: March 14, 1968 (Age: 51-212d) in Toms River, NJ... High School: Toms River East (NJ)"
• Ted Gillen (born 1968), former professional soccer playerKurland, Bob. "Metrostars Minus Two – Donadoni, Ramos To Miss Opener", The Record, April 12, 1996. "Kearny native Ted Gillen, who grew up in Toms River, was placed on injured reserve due to a slow-healing hamstring."
• Erin Gleason (born 1977), short track speed skater who competed in three events at the 1998 Winter Olympics[https://web.archive.org/web/20200417224856/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/gl/erin-gleason-1.html Erin Gleason], Sports Reference. Accessed April 20, 2020. "Born: September 18, 1977 (Age 42.215, YY.DDD) in Dover Township, New Jersey, United States"
• Melissa Gorga (born 1979), reality television personality, author, singer, designer and businesswoman, who joined the cast of The Real Housewives of New Jersey in its third seasonD'Onofrio, Mike. [http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2014/12/melissa_gorga_real_housewives_on_new_jersey_star_visits_the_liberty_science_center.html "Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga visits Liberty Science Center"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044438/http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2014/12/melissa_gorga_real_housewives_on_new_jersey_star_visits_the_liberty_science_center.html |date=December 1, 2017 }}, The Jersey Journal, December 13, 2014. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Gorga grew up in Toms River."
• Alf Goullet (1891–1995), Australian-born cyclist who won more than 400 races on three continents, including 15 six-day racesHagenmayer, S. Joseph. [http://articles.philly.com/1995-03-14/news/25698517_1_50-mile-race-american-bicycle-racing-peter-nye "A. Goullet, A Legend In Bike Racing"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416042810/http://articles.philly.com/1995-03-14/news/25698517_1_50-mile-race-american-bicycle-racing-peter-nye |date=April 16, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 14, 1995. Accessed August 14, 2014. "Alfred T. 'Alf' Goullet, 103, whose world-record-setting performances in bicycling races on three continents prompted sportswriters to compare him to baseball's Babe Ruth and boxing's Jack Dempsey, died Saturday at a retirement home in Toms River... He resided in Newark for 75 years and lived in Red Bank and then Toms River for the last eight years."
• Bob Grant (1929–2013), radio hostGriffith, Janelle. [http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/01/bob_grant_dead.html "Bob Grant, father of conservative talk radio, dead at 84"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113014550/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/01/bob_grant_dead.html |date=January 13, 2015 }}, The Star-Ledger, January 2, 2014. Accessed October 12, 2015. "He lived for a time in Woodbridge, where his favorite diner named a dish in his honor, and Manalapan before moving most recently to Toms River."
• Sheree Gray (born 1985), soccer defender who represents Sky Blue FC of Women's Professional Soccer[http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/gray_sheree00.html Sheree Gray] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025041712/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/gray_sheree00.html |date=October 25, 2017 }}, Penn State Nittany Lions. Accessed August 14, 2014.
• Lori Grifa, attorney who served as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs from 2010 to 2012[https://nj.gov/dca/news/news/2010/approved/052010.html Grifa Confirmed as Community Affairs Commissioner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122150845/https://nj.gov/dca/news/news/2010/approved/052010.html |date=November 22, 2021 }}, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, May 20, 2010. Accessed November 22, 2021. "Grifa was born and raised in New Jersey and grew up in Toms River, Ocean County."
• Tom Guiry (born 1981), actor who is best known for his lead performance in the cult coming-of-age film The Sandlot[https://wpst.com/the-sandlot-tv-series-with-the-original-cast-is-coming-soon/ "The Sandlot TV series With The Original Cast Is Coming Soon"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923175658/https://wpst.com/the-sandlot-tv-series-with-the-original-cast-is-coming-soon/ |date=September 23, 2019 }}, WPST, March 5, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019. "If you're a fan of the movie then maybe you already knew that one of the main characters has roots in New Jersey. Tom Guiry, who played Scotty Smalls in the film, was born in Toms River, NJ, and grew up in the Mercer County area."
• Virginia E. Haines (born 1946), politician who serves on the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and had served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1992 to 1994 and as executive director of the New Jersey Lottery from 1994 to 2002Larsen, Erik. [http://www.app.com/story/news/local/ocean-county/2016/01/26/haines-appointed-ocean-county-freeholder/79298600/ "Haines appointed Ocean County freeholder"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714233446/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/ocean-county/2016/01/26/haines-appointed-ocean-county-freeholder/79298600/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, January 26, 2016. Accessed August 30, 2016. "Ocean County Freeholder-designate Virginia 'Ginny' Haines is surrounded by supporters and county Republican leaders following her appointment to the county's governing body on Tuesday night. Haines, 69, of Toms River, becomes only the second woman to serve on the Ocean County freeholder board since 1850."
• Brian Hanlon, master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio, specializing in bronze sculpturesMikle, Jean. [http://www.app.com/story/news/local/culture/2016/06/07/new-sculpture-exhibit-downtown-toms-river/85559612/ "New sculpture exhibit in downtown Toms River"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714233524/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/culture/2016/06/07/new-sculpture-exhibit-downtown-toms-river/85559612/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, June 7, 2016. Accessed November 22, 2017. "This year, the bronze works scattered throughout downtown are pieces by renowned artist Brian Hanlon, a Toms River resident who owns Hanlon Sculpture Studio. There are sports figures, military heroes, and a leader of the Civil Rights movement – Fannie Lou Hamer."
• Judith Hird ({{circa|1946}}), ordained as the pastor of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Toms River in 1972, making her the first woman pastor of a Lutheran church[https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/21191771/ "Lutherans Updating Status Of Women"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505165143/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/21191771/ |date=May 5, 2016 }}, The News-Palladium, July 5, 1972. Accessed October 12, 2015. "The denomination ordained its first woman minister only last year, and now has two of them out of 7,328 clergy—the Rev. Judith Hird, a Toms River, N.J., pastor, and the Rev. Elizabeth Platz, campus pastor at the University of Maryland."
• James W. Holzapfel (born 1944), member of the New Jersey State Senate from the 10th Legislative DistrictHopkins, Kathleen. [http://archive.app.com/article/20111024/NJNEWS11/310240014/Taxes-key-10th-District "Taxes key in 10th District;Hopefuls spar over millionaires surcharge"], Asbury Park Press, October 24, 2011. Accessed August 14, 2014. "'I think we've done an excellent job in representing the interests of our district,' said Holzapfel, 67, a Toms River resident who served as Ocean County prosecutor from 1987 to 1992 and who is senior partner in the Toms River law firm of Citta, Holzapfel and Zabarsky."
• Anthony W. Ivins (1852–1934), an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and a member of the church's First Presidency from 1921 until his death[http://wchsutah.org/people/anthony-w-ivins.php Anthony W. Ivins] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129202822/http://wchsutah.org/people/anthony-w-ivins.php |date=November 29, 2017 }}, Washington County Historical Society. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Anthony Woodward Ivins was born September 16, {{sic|1852|hide=y|expected=1852,}} in Toms River, New Jersey. He and his family emigrated to Salt Lake City, arriving in August 1853 after a 140-day journey."
• Jeff Janiak (born 1976), vocalist of the punk rock band DischargeStone, Drew. "The NYHC Chronicles LIVE! Ep. #58 Jeff "JJ" Janiak (Discharge / Broken Bones / Dead Heros") YouTube, uploaded by stonefilmsnyc, Streamed live on 9 Sept 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oExCPVUjUYk {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424185742/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oExCPVUjUYk |date=April 24, 2022 }} . Acsessed March 26, 2021
• Marty Jannetty (born 1962), professional wrestler, best known as one-half of The Rockers in the World Wrestling FederationKuperinsky, Amy. [https://www.nj.com/news/2020/08/former-wwe-star-marty-jannetty-elaborates-on-claim-he-made-a-man-disappear.html "Former WWE star Marty Jannetty elaborates on claim he made a man ‘disappear’"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410132532/https://www.nj.com/news/2020/08/former-wwe-star-marty-jannetty-elaborates-on-claim-he-made-a-man-disappear.html |date=April 10, 2022 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, August 6, 2020. Accessed April 10, 2022. "The pro wrestler, who has lived in Lakehurst and Toms River, posted the claim about making a man disappear on his Facebook page Wednesday, saying he had fought back after a man allegedly tried to sexually assault him in his native Columbus, Georgia as a teen."
• Gary Jobson (born {{circa|1951}}, class of 1969), sailor, television commentator and author who is Editor at Large of Sailing World and Cruising World magazines and President of the National Sailing Hall of FameWallace, William N. [https://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/31/archives/patience-of-jobson-may-be-the-key-to-turners-success-at-cup-trials.html "Patience of Dobson May Be the Key To Turner's Success at Cup Trials"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201055106/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/07/31/archives/patience-of-jobson-may-be-the-key-to-turners-success-at-cup-trials.html |date=December 1, 2017 }}, The New York Times, July 31, 1977. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Gary Jobson, a 27‐year‐old teacher of sailing from Toms River, N.J.. has the stickiest job of all among the 77 sailors competing for the America's Cup here this summer."
• Pavle Jovanovic (born 1977), Olympic bobsled competitorAraton, Harvey. [https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/08/sports/sports-of-the-times-one-man-s-lifeblood-of-the-games.html "Sports of The Times; One Man's Lifeblood of the Games"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223214556/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/08/sports/sports-of-the-times-one-man-s-lifeblood-of-the-games.html |date=February 23, 2017 }}, The New York Times, February 8, 2002. Accessed February 15, 2012. "Yesterday, an American bobsledder, Pavle Jovanovic of Toms River, N.J., lost his appeal of a suspension for flunking a similar test in December at the United States trials."
• Chris Konopka (born 1985), MLS player for the Philadelphia UnionEdelson, Steve. [http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/SPORTS/80312102/1023/SPORTS "Konopka right at home, in Ireland"]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Asbury Park Press, March 12, 2008. Accessed April 8, 2008. "Since stepping off a plane at Dublin Airport on Jan. 15 and signing a contract with storied Bohemian Football Club two weeks later, Chris Konopka has experienced a side of soccer he could barely have imagined growing up in Toms River."
• Stephenie LaGrossa (born 1979), contestant on Survivor: Palau, Survivor: Guatemala and Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, under the Heroes tribeTan, Michelle. [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1211303,00.html "Survivor's Stephenie LaGrossa Gets Married"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113044432/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1211303,00.html |date=January 13, 2016 }}, People, July 7, 2006. Accessed October 12, 2015. "LaGrossa, a former pharmaceutical sales rep who now models and makes TV and personal appearances, grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia and now lives in Toms River, N.J. "
• Al Leiter (born 1965), former Major League Baseball player who pitched for both the New York Mets and New York YankeesOlney, Buster. [https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/07/sports/baseball-mets-bolster-rotation-in-deal-for-leiter.html "Baseball; Mets Bolster Rotation in Deal for Leiter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110011823/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/07/sports/baseball-mets-bolster-rotation-in-deal-for-leiter.html |date=November 10, 2012 }}, The New York Times, February 7, 1998. Accessed February 15, 2012. "Al Leiter grew up in Toms River, N.J., rooting for the Mets on television, a die-hard with indelible memories of the 1969 World Series. Now Mets fans will be rooting for him."
• Mark Leiter (born 1963), former Major League Baseball playerAnastatisa, Phil. [http://www.courierpostonline.com/columnists/cxan060704a.htm "Scout reflects on baseball love affair"], Courier-Post, June 7, 2004. Accessed October 23, 2007. "Lynch mentions former Cherry Hill West left-hander Shawn Senior, Lenape left-hander Scott Schoeneweis and Toms River brothers Al Leiter and Mark Leiter among the local athletes who best caught his eye."
• Mark Leiter Jr. (born 1991), pitcher for the New York YankeesVogt, Erin. [http://nj1015.com/phillies-call-up-njs-mark-leiter-jr-unicorn-fraps-arrive-nj-breakroom/ "Phillies call up NJ's Mark Leiter Jr, Unicorn Fraps arrive"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423073855/http://nj1015.com/phillies-call-up-njs-mark-leiter-jr-unicorn-fraps-arrive-nj-breakroom/ |date=April 23, 2017 }}, WKXW, April 19, 2017. Accessed May 10, 2017. "Another NJ pro ball player has been called up to the Phillies! The Jersey roots don't get any deeper than pitcher Mark Leiter Junior. The NJIT grad from Toms River is the son of former MLB pitcher Mark Leiter and nephew of Al Leiter."
• Shulem Lemmer (born 1990), singer and entertainerMikle, Jean. [https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2018/07/18/shulem-lemmer-orthodox-jewish-record-deal/772807002/ "Meet the Orthodox Jewish trailblazer from Toms River with a major record deal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714230914/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2018/07/18/shulem-lemmer-orthodox-jewish-record-deal/772807002/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, July 18, 2018. Accessed April 20, 2020. "Shulem Lemmer and his young family had just moved to Toms River last summer when one of his new neighbors approached and called out his name."
• Leonard Lomell (1919–2011), U.S. Army Ranger who destroyed German gun emplacements on D-DayLomell, Leonard. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080408042242/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1004504,00.html "June 6, 1944"], Time, March 31, 2003. Accessed April 7, 2008.
• Tom MacArthur (born 1960), businessman and politician who was the member of the United States House of Representatives for New Jersey's 3rd congressional district from 2015 to 2019via Associated Press. [http://www.app.com/story/news/politics/new-jersey/2014/05/03/a-look-at-congressional-candidate-tom-macarthur/2130838/ "A look at congressional candidate Tom MacArthur"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714230919/https://www.app.com/story/news/politics/new-jersey/2014/05/03/a-look-at-congressional-candidate-tom-macarthur/2130838/ |date=July 14, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, May 3, 2014. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Residence: Toms River. Also owns homes in Randolph and Barnegat Light."
• Gia Maione (1941–2013), singer and wife of singer Louis PrimaBoulard, Garry. [https://books.google.com/books?id=k73NVncNfwsC&pg=PA145 Louis Prima], p. 145. University of Illinois Press, 1989. {{ISBN|9780252070907}}. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Following the newspaper coverage from Toms River, New Jersey, was twenty-year-old Gia Maione, a waitress at the local Howard Johnson's who studied voice and piano in high school."
• Ron Marinaccio (born 1995), professional baseball pitcher for the New York YankeesAitken Jr., Robert.[https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2022/04/09/ny-yankees-ron-marinaccio-high-school-mlb-debut/9528232002/ "Toms River native Ron Marinaccio pitches scoreless inning for Yankees in MLB debut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524031743/https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2022/04/09/ny-yankees-ron-marinaccio-high-school-mlb-debut/9528232002/ |date=May 24, 2022 }}, The Record, April 9, 2022. Accessed April 10, 2022. "Toms River's Ron Marinaccio made his Major League debut for the Yankees on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, striking out a pair and keeping the Red Sox off the board."
• Robert O. Marshall (1939–2015), businessman whose 1980s conviction for the contract murder of his wife was the subject of a controversial 1989 book and 1990 television miniseriesStaff. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI|DN&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB29DFC87CA3293&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Death Penalty Upheld In Marshall Case A Milestone Ruling For N.J. High Court"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024214644/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI%7CDN&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB29DFC87CA3293&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=October 24, 2012 }}, Philadelphia Daily News, January 24, 1991. Accessed September 14, 2010. "The state Supreme Court today upheld the death sentence for Robert O. Marshall, the Toms River businessman whose conviction for arranging the murder of his wife drew nationwide attention as the subject of a best-selling book and a television movie."
• Demetri Martin (born 1973), comedian, featured on The Daily Show and Comedy Central PresentsDremousis, Litsa. [http://www.believermag.com/issues/200602/?read=interview_martin Demetri Martin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020065154/http://www.believermag.com/issues/200602/?read=interview_martin |date=October 20, 2006 }}, The Believer, February 2006. Accessed June 23, 2007. "The son of a Greek Orthodox priest (note: Orthodox priests can marry prior to ordination) and a nutritionist, Martin grew up with his brother and sister in Toms River, New Jersey."
• Thomas A. Mathis (1869–1958), politician who served in the New Jersey Senate and was the Secretary of State of New Jersey from 1931 to 1941Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/19/archives/gop-chief-takes-his-life-in-jersey-mathis-88-leader-in-ocean-county.html "G.O.P. Chief Takes His Life In Jersey; Mathis, 88, Leader in Ocean County, Had Been Sick -A Noted Yachtsman"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034746/http://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/19/archives/gop-chief-takes-his-life-in-jersey-mathis-88-leader-in-ocean-county.html |date=December 1, 2017 }}, The New York Times, May 19, 1958. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Toms River, N. J., May 18 (AP) – Thomas A. Mathis, longtime Republican leader of Ocean County, shot himself dead today only two days after he had been released from a hospital."
• W. Steelman Mathis (1898–1981), politician who served in the New Jersey Senate from 1941 to 1942 and again from 1947 to 1966[https://books.google.com/books?id=8zRSAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Steelman+Mathis%22+1898+Tuckerton Manual of the Legislature of New Jersey, Volume 189] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415012901/https://books.google.com/books?id=8zRSAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Steelman+Mathis%22+1898+Tuckerton |date=April 15, 2023 }}, p. 375. J.A. Fitzgerald, 1965. "William Steelman Mathis (Rep., Toms River) Senator Mathis was born in Tuckerton, December 1, 1898. He graduated from Peddie School and afterward took course at the Peirce Business College of Philadelphia."
• Gregory P. McGuckin (born 1961), politician and former Toms River council member who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 10th Legislative District since 2012[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/341/assemblyman-mcguckin Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin (R)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201042806/https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/341/assemblyman-mcguckin |date=December 1, 2022 }}, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed November 30, 2022. "Township of Toms River Council, President 2004–11"
• Robert and Michael Meeropol (born 1947 and 1943, respectively), sons of convicted spies Julius and Ethel RosenbergRoberts, Sam. [https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/20/nyregion/metro-matters-rosenberg-case-family-s-struggle-at-reconciliation.html "Metro Matters; Rosenberg Case: Family's Struggle At Reconciliation"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130112003/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/20/nyregion/metro-matters-rosenberg-case-family-s-struggle-at-reconciliation.html |date=January 30, 2018 }}, The New York Times, June 20, 1988. Accessed February 15, 2012. "His nephews, Michael and Robert Meeropol, planned no special remembrance. Robert intended only to take a long walk alone near his home in Massachusetts to reflect on that afternoon in Toms River, N.J., when his older brother, then 10, was ushered outside to join him after the television broadcast of the Yankees-Tigers game was interrupted repeatedly by news bulletins about the impending execution of their parents, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg."
• Tony Meola (born 1969), former soccer goalkeeper who represented the United States men's national soccer team at the 1990, 1994, and 2002 World Cups, and from 1996 to 2006 played in Major League SoccerSpahr, Rob. [http://www.nj.com/ocean/index.ssf/2015/01/current_former_professional_athletes_talk_drugs_in.html "Current, former professional athletes talk drugs in sports at Ocean County event"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044610/http://www.nj.com/ocean/index.ssf/2015/01/current_former_professional_athletes_talk_drugs_in.html |date=December 1, 2017 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, January 17, 2015. Accessed November 22, 2017. "Tony Meola, a Toms River resident and former MLS soccer star who was the goalie for the U.S. National Team and a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, told the room that it isn't only illegal drugs that pose problems for athletes."
• Andy Messersmith (born 1945), former MLB pitcher who played for the California Angels (1968–1972), Los Angeles Dodgers (1973–1975 and 1979), Atlanta Braves (1976–1977) and the New York Yankees (1978)Kahn, Roger. [https://books.google.com/books?id=W-EI-7OhJ9QC&pg=PA78 October Men: Reggie Jackson, George Steinbrenner, Billy Martin, and the Yankees' Miraculous Finish in 1978], p. 78. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2003. {{ISBN|9780151006281}}. Accessed October 12, 2015. "As CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers, O'Malley, called the Big Oom, let a bright young righthander named Andy Messersmith, a physician's son from Toms River, New Jersey, pitch for the entire 1975 season without signing a contract."
• Kurt Metzger (born 1977), stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer known for on Inside Amy Schumer[http://thelaughbutton.com/albums/kurt-metzger-talks-young-people-sex-listen/ "Kurt Metzger talks to young people about sex, we should listen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828191418/http://thelaughbutton.com/albums/kurt-metzger-talks-young-people-sex-listen/ |date=August 28, 2019 }}, The Laugh Button, July 15, 2011. Accessed July 22, 2017. "Metzger kicks off the album talking about what he knows best, New Jersey and Guidos. As a Toms River native it's a subject Kurt spent most of his life learning the ways of these Jersey Shore phenomenon."
• Annette Meyers (born 1934), mystery novelist[https://www.forbes.com/2009/02/11/starting-novelist-writer-career-leadership_0211_annette_meyers.html?sh=3ca256565175 "The Mystery Novelist"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606002137/https://www.forbes.com/2009/02/11/starting-novelist-writer-career-leadership_0211_annette_meyers.html?sh=3ca256565175 |date=June 6, 2023 }}, Forbes, February 11, 2009. Accessed June 5, 2023. "It had brought her a long way from the chicken farm in Toms River, N.J., where she grew up."Schmidhausler, Gretchen. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-annette-meyers-of-toms/125927150/ "Wall Street proves fodder for foul play"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606013703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-annette-meyers-of-toms/125927150/ |date=June 6, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, October 21, 1990. Accessed June 5, 2023, via Newspaper.com. "Actually, it doesn't pay quite well enough for Annette Brafman Meyers to quit her full-time job not yet, at least. After waiting patiently for almost 50 years, Ms. Meyers, a former Toms River resident who now resides in Manhattan, is working on her third mystery novel and is ready to take her place on the shelf with the likes of mystery writers P.D. James, Sue Grafton and Sara Paretsky."
• Joe Michelini (born 1988) musician, singer, songwriter and frontman for the indie/folk rock band River City ExtensionSpelling, Ian. [http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/n-j-band-keyed-up-for-a-homecoming-1.874518 "N.J.'s River City Extension opens for Avett Brothers at PNC Arts Center"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112180409/http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/n-j-band-keyed-up-for-a-homecoming-1.874518 |date=January 12, 2016 }}, The Record, September 22, 2011. Accessed January 25, 2015. "Joe Michelini formed River City Extension in 2007, and since then enough members have joined and left the Toms River-based band that the group's founder and lead singer considers their current tour a series of get-to-know-you shows. 'It's like we're forced to overcome a lot of obstacles at once and in a very short amount of time,' Michelini says by telephone from his Toms River home."
• Jane Moffet (1930–2018), former utility player who played from 1949 through 1952 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball LeagueMicko, Lillian. [http://articles.philly.com/1994-07-13/news/25846560_1_south-bend-blue-sox-rockford-peaches-karl-winsch "Real 'League Of Their Own' Players Are Honored Fans Inspired By The Movie Came. So Did Two Women Who Played And Their Coach."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232947/http://articles.philly.com/1994-07-13/news/25846560_1_south-bend-blue-sox-rockford-peaches-karl-winsch |date=March 3, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 13, 1994. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Moffet, who now lives in Toms River but grew up in Pitman, retired just last month after 42 years in education."
• Steve Mormando (born 1955), fencer who competed in the individual and team sabre events at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics[http://www.gonyuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=722 Steve Mormando] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113022236/http://www.gonyuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=722 |date=January 13, 2016 }}, New York University Athletics. Accessed October 12, 2015. "A native of Toms River, NJ, Mormando resides in Dover, NJ."
• Rocco Neri (1919–2011), politician who represented the 28th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1974 to 1976[https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mycentraljersey/obituary.aspx?n=rocco-neri&pid=153998345&fhid=8244 "Obituary: Rocco Neri 1919-2011"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306214903/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mycentraljersey/obituary.aspx?n=rocco-neri&pid=153998345&fhid=8244 |date=March 6, 2016 }}, Courier News, October 8, 2011. Accessed April 20, 2020. "Rocco Neri, 92 of Toms River, died on Thursday October 6th at Fountainview Care Center, Lakewood. He owned & operated the Stuyvesant Auto Body in Irvington for 30 years. Born in Newark, he resided in Irvington from 1951 -1985 when he moved to Toms River."
• Beth Simone Noveck (born 1971), New Jersey's first Chief Innovation OfficerSitrin, Carly. [https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/18/08/15/gearing-up-for-the-future-new-jersey-gets-its-first-innovation-chief/ "Gearing Up for the Future: New Jersey Gets its First Innovation Chief"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612060543/https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/18/08/15/gearing-up-for-the-future-new-jersey-gets-its-first-innovation-chief/ |date=June 12, 2019 }}, NJ Spotlight, August 16, 2018. Accessed September 23, 2019. "Noveck is a Toms River native with a resume deep in national and international experience integrating technology, government, and an engaged citizenry."
• Sergey Padyukov (1922–1993), architect, engineer, sculptor and human rights activist, best known for his work designing churches and other houses of worship[https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/147836604/ "Sergey Padukow, at 70; architect, rights activist"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228000011/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/147836604/ |date=December 28, 2017 }}, Asbury Park Press, October 24, 1993. Accessed December 27, 2017. "Sergey Padukow, 70, a Toms River architect known for his church designs and volunteer work on human rights issues, died Friday morning at Thomas Jefferson Medical Center, Philadelphia, after a brief illness."
• Scott Palguta (born 1982), head men's soccer coach at Colorado College who played for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer[http://www.cctigers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=526&path=MSOC Scott Palguta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112004352/http://www.cctigers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=526&path=MSOC |date=January 12, 2014 }}, Colorado College. Accessed January 12, 2014. "Palguta, a native of Toms River, N.J., was a two-time all-Ivy League selection at Cornell University, where he graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in hotel administration."
• Piper Perabo (born 1976), stage, film, and television actress who has her breakthrough role in the 2000 film Coyote UglyHill, Todd. [http://imaginemeandyouthemovie.com/publicity/interviews/Piper%20Perabo%20keeps%20on%20plugging_files/silive.html?/base/entertainment/1138912203108360.xml&coll=1&thispage=1 "Piper Perabo keeps on plugging; The 'Imagine Me & You' star rebounds from her fair share of flops with a Brit rom-com"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112211531/http://imaginemeandyouthemovie.com/publicity/interviews/Piper%20Perabo%20keeps%20on%20plugging_files/silive.html?/base/entertainment/1138912203108360.xml&coll=1&thispage=1 |date=January 12, 2016 }}, Staten Island Advance, February 5, 2006, at Imagine Me & You site. Accessed October 12, 2015. "Piper Perabo has come a long way from Toms River, N.J."
• Ruth Polsky (1954–1986), pioneering booker and music promoterPhull, Hardeep. [https://nypost.com/2017/02/07/the-forgotten-new-yorker-who-changed-the-80s-music-scene/ "The forgotten New Yorker who changed the '80s music scene"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107232723/http://nypost.com/2017/02/07/the-forgotten-new-yorker-who-changed-the-80s-music-scene/ |date=November 7, 2017 }}, New York Post, February 7, 2017. Accessed March 19, 2017. "Born in 1954, Polsky grew up in Toms River, NJ, as one of four siblings."
• Sam Porcello ({{circa|1936}}–2012), food scientist who developed the Oreo cookie's creme fillingHinckley, David. [http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/celebrating-life-sam-porcello-man-developed-filling-oreos-article-1.1080508 "Man who developed Oreo cookie filling dead at 76; Sam J. Porcello was known at Nabisco as 'Mr. Oreo'He died Saturday at 76, and worked at Nabisco for 34 years"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120032125/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/celebrating-life-sam-porcello-man-developed-filling-oreos-article-1.1080508 |date=January 20, 2015 }}, New York Daily News, May 20, 2012. Accessed January 25, 2015. "That's not all that Sam J. Porcello of Toms River, N.J., did. But if it had been, that would have been enough. This obituary had me at 'Oreo.'"

* Christie Raleigh Crossley (born 1987), Paralympic swimmer who will represent the United States at the 2024 Summer ParalympicsRachinsky, Jack. [https://www.wnky.com/i/paralympic-swimmer-christie-raleigh-crossley-may-be-close-to-achieving-longtime-athletic-dream/ "Paralympic swimmer Christie Raleigh Crossley may be close to achieving longtime athletic dream"], WNKY, June 29, 2024. Accessed July 5, 2024. "Christie Raleigh Crossley’s dream of being an Olympic swimmer began at age 9, watching the Atlanta Games. The native of Toms River, New Jersey, was named an All-American twice at Florida State but later sustained injuries in two traffic accidents and in 2018 developed a brain tumor that left her partially paralyzed just as she was contemplating a final shot at the Olympics."

• Maria Ressa, Filipino-American journalist, author, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and co-founder of RapplerWhitehead, Kate. [https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3011509/maria-ressa-duterte-critic-and-guardian-truth "Maria Ressa, Duterte critic and ‘guardian of the truth’, says journalists are under attack"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611225704/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3011509/maria-ressa-duterte-critic-and-guardian-truth |date=June 11, 2020 }}, South China Morning Post, May 26, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019. "My parents worked in New York City. They didn't want us kids growing up in an inner-city school, so they bought a house in Toms River, New Jersey. They commuted two hours to New York City and two hours back each day. My sister and I went to a public school in Toms River."
• Charles E. Rosendahl (1892–1977), Admiral in the United States Navy, who was commanding officer of Lakehurst Naval Air Station[http://www.utdallas.edu/library/collections/speccoll/ltapdf/Rosendahl1.pdf Vice Admiral Charles E. Rosendahl Collection] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601160829/http://www.utdallas.edu/library/collections/speccoll/ltapdf/Rosendahl1.pdf |date=June 1, 2010 }}, University of Texas at Dallas. Accessed June 23, 2007. "1960: Retired to Toms River to write and to organize Lighter-Than-Air Museum Association at Lakehurst."
• John F. Russo (1933–2017), former politician who served in the New Jersey Senate and was Senate PresidentKing, Wayne. [https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/29/nyregion/it-s-not-us-toms-river-says-of-protrayal-in-book.html "It's Not Us, Toms River Says of Portrayal in Book"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219131116/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/29/nyregion/it-s-not-us-toms-river-says-of-protrayal-in-book.html |date=December 19, 2017 }}, The New York Times, March 29, 1989. Accessed October 12, 2015. "In the book, the politician is called Raymond DiOrio. But he clearly is John F. Russo, a Toms River lawyer, president of the New Jersey Senate and, until Blind Faith, a man thinking about a campaign for governor."
• Norton A. Schwartz (born 1951), retired United States Air Force general who served as the 19th Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 2008 until his retirement in 2012Marshall Jr., Tyrone C. [http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=117467 "Schwartz Honored for Exceptional Service as Air Force Chief"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930083145/http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=117467 |date=September 30, 2015 }}, United States Department of Defense, August 10, 2012. Accessed October 12, 2015. "The defense secretary described Schwartz as a hardworking Toms River, N.J., native, who grew up in a blue collar world."
• Joe Scott (born 1965), former men's head basketball coach for the United States Air Force Academy and Princeton University; current head coach at University of Denver[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20040316/ai_n10031867 "Destined to Coach"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718012427/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20040316/ai_n10031867 |date=July 18, 2014 }}, The Colorado Springs Gazette, March 16, 2004.
• Jason Snelling (born 1983), NFL running back for the Atlanta FalconsGarafolo, Mike. [http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2009/11/ny_giants_game_day_look_for_ru.html "NY Giants Game Day: Look for running game to exploit weak Atlanta defense"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125152717/http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2009/11/ny_giants_game_day_look_for_ru.html |date=November 25, 2009 }}, The Star-Ledger, November 22, 2009. Accessed April 6, 2011. "The Giants' defenders said all week third-string RB Jason Snelling (a Toms River native who moved to Virginia before high school) is just as dangerous."
• Cheryl Spector (1958–2007), LGBT activistNajafi, Yusef. [http://www.metroweekly.com/2007/09/saying-goodbye-to-cheryl/ "Saying Goodbye to CherylAfter apartment fire and battle with leukemia, local lesbian historian dies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032519/http://www.metroweekly.com/2007/09/saying-goodbye-to-cheryl/ |date=December 1, 2017 }}, Metro Weekly, September 5, 2007. Accessed November 22, 2017. "During the past 20 years, Spector played an active role in Washington's GLBT community. The native of Toms River, N.J., who came to Washington to study Spanish and broadcast journalism at American University, built a reputation for attending and videotaping nearly every GLBT-related event in Washington, whether it be Capital Pride events, the funerals of the many people who died from AIDS in the late '80s and '90s, or even drag performances."
• William N. Stape (born 1968), screenwriter and magazine writer who wrote episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space NineSullivan, Al. [http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/2415138/article--Beam-me-up--Scotty--Local-writer-makes-name-in-Star-Trek-universe?instance=search_results "'Beam me up, Scotty'; Local writer makes name in Star Trek universe"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320054100/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/2415138/article--Beam-me-up--Scotty--Local-writer-makes-name-in-Star-Trek-universe?instance=search_results |date=March 20, 2017 }}, The Hudson Reporter, March 28, 2008. Accessed March 19, 2017. "A resident of Bayonne since he was 10 years old, William Stape, 39, has become a part of the Star Trek universe, both as the author of scripts for The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine TV series, but also by recently unveiling details concerning the sets of the upcoming Star Trek movie.... Born in Jersey City, Stape moved with his family to the Toms River area before relocating to Bayonne."
• Keith Stokes (born 1978), professional Canadian and American football wide receiverStaff. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160112133446/http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/a-footbl/spec-rel/062411aal.html "Speedy Stokes' World Tour Continues in Philly"]}}, ArenaFootball.com. Accessed October 12, 2015. " Originally from Toms River, NJ, most of Keith's extended family still resides in New Jersey and makes regular appearances at his games."
• Noël Valis (born 1945), writer, scholar and translator who is a professor of Spanish at Yale UniversityWhisman, Courtney. [http://spanport.dartmouth.edu/news/noel-valis-lecture "Noël Valis Lecture"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909232025/http://spanport.dartmouth.edu/news/noel-valis-lecture |date=September 9, 2015 }}, Dartmouth College Department of Spanish and Portuguese, April 24, 2015. Accessed November 22, 2017. "A native of Toms River NJ, Noël Valis has lived in New Haven CT for the last sixteen years and teaches at Yale University."
• Albert W. Van Duzer (1917–1999), bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, serving from 1973 to 1982Hagenmayer, S. Joseph. [http://articles.philly.com/1999-11-30/news/25495375_1_general-theological-seminary-longtime-rector-first-parish "Episcopal Bishop Albert W. Van Duzer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323105944/http://articles.philly.com/1999-11-30/news/25495375_1_general-theological-seminary-longtime-rector-first-parish |date=March 23, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 30, 1999. Accessed November 8, 2015. "Raised in Toms River, Bishop Van Duzer was a 1935 graduate of Toms River High School, where he was manager for the baseball team, a member of the football team, and in the school play."
• Nick Werkman, former basketball player for the Seton Hall Pirates who set the team record for career points with 2,273Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/03/sports/renewed-pride-for-seton-hall.html "Renewed Pride for Seton Hall"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821073038/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/03/sports/renewed-pride-for-seton-hall.html |date=August 21, 2016 }}, The New York Times, April 3, 1989. Accessed October 12, 2015. "On Saturday, Werkman had 100 people in his home in Toms River, N.J., to watch the Pirates defeat Duke in the semi-finals. He has also become a recognizable figure again, even if people do not remember that he is Seton Hall's leading career scorer with 2,273 points."

{{div col end}}

{{portal|New Jersey}}

• Toms River CDP, New Jersey
• Dover Beaches North, New Jersey
• Dover Beaches South, New Jersey
• {{section link|USS Randolph (CV-15)|Disposal}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikivoyage|Toms River}}

• [https://tomsrivertownship.com/ Toms River Township web site]
• [http://www.tomsriveronline.com/ Toms River Online]
• [https://tomsriver.org/ TomsRiver.org – Community News, Business Directory and Events Portal]
• [https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/thetomsrivertimes/ The Toms River Times]

{{Geographic Location (8-way)

| Centre =Toms River

| North = Lakewood

| Northeast = Brick

| East = Lavallette
Seaside Heights

| Southeast = Island Heights

| South = South Toms River

| Southwest = Berkeley Township

| West = Manchester

| Northwest = Jackson

| image =

}}

{{Ocean County, New Jersey}}

{{New York metropolitan area}}

{{Jersey Shore region}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1768 establishments in New Jersey

Category:County seats in New Jersey

Category:Faulkner Act (mayor–council)

Category:Jersey Shore communities in Ocean County

Category:Populated places established in 1768

Category:Superfund sites in New Jersey

Category:Townships in New Jersey

Category:Townships in Ocean County, New Jersey