Ocean County College OceanViews Magazine 2026 Winter Volume 19 Issue 02 - Flipbook - Page 26
IN MEMORIAM
JON H. LARSON, Ph.D.
JERRY J. DASTI
PRESIDENT EMERITUS, OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE
CHAIR, OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Ocean County College community mourns the loss of
Dr. Jon H. Larson, who served Ocean County College for more
than 20 years. Dr. Larson passed away on November 17, 2025,
at the age of 84.
With profound respect and sorrow, the Ocean County College
community marks the passing of Mr. Jerry Dasti, chair of the OCC
Board of Trustees, on October 6, 2025. A distinguished attorney,
devoted public servant, and passionate advocate for higher
education, Mr. Dasti had loyally served and supported OCC
since 1996, serving as treasurer for 16 years and as board chair
since 2021. Mr. Dasti’s decades-long commitment to OCC left an
indelible mark on the college and the countless students whose
lives he impacted with his service.
Dr. Larson was Ocean County College’s longest-serving
president, presiding from August 2000 to June 2023. During his
tenure, he had a profound impact on Ocean County College,
as well as on New Jersey’s community colleges in general, and
was honored with many awards for his work. In 2016, “The
Jon and Judith Larson Student Center” was named in honor
of Dr. Larson and his wife for their longstanding dedication to
Ocean County College.
Dr. Larson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and
Government from Norwich University, a Master of Arts degree
in Government and Politics, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education
Administration from the University of Maryland. Before taking
the helm at Ocean County College, he served as President
of Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke,
Pennsylvania; Vice President for Administration at Frederick
Community College in Frederick, Maryland; and Research
Associate at the University of Maryland’s National Center for
Post-Secondary Governance and Finance. He also served as
Platoon Leader/Company Commander in the United States
Army’s 63rd Armored Battalion – 1st Infantry Division.
Dr. Larson was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Judith, and his
eldest son, Jon Michael. He is survived by his son David and wife
Angie of Georgia, GA; his daughter Kristina of Virginia Beach, VA;
sisters Nancy Harman of Yarmouth, ME, and Martha Cabot of
Sebring, FL; four grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
The faculty, administration, and staff of Ocean County College
are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Larson, and we
offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
26 Winter 2026
A lifelong resident of New Jersey and founding partner at Dasti,
McGuckin, McNichols, Connors, Anthony & Buckley, Mr. Dasti built
a successful career while never losing sight of his responsibility
to the communities he served. This dedication guided his work
with Ocean County College, where he championed opportunities
for students to pursue their dreams. The OCC community joins
his beloved family, partners, colleagues, and the countless
community members whose lives he enriched in mourning
his passing and remembering his contributions and impact.
In honor of his legacy, the Jerry J. Dasti Scholarship Fund
for the Advancement of Students has been established to
continue his mission of supporting Ocean County College
students as they pursue their educational goals. Those
wishing to contribute may contact the OCC Bursar’s Office or
visit booking.grunincenter.org/Donations to donate online.
Jerry Dasti exemplified leadership, service, and commitment
to community. Ocean County College was privileged to have
him as a trustee, and his legacy will continue to inspire us
for generations to come.
