Cy Wekilsky, Boonton councilman and ex-mayor, dies at 89

Cy Wekilsky, a likable veteran of Boonton politics, where he was a longtime town councilman and former mayor, died last night after an illness.  He was 89.

He won his last election in 2024 by one vote after defeating Democrat Melissa DiSalvo, 645-644.  Before the recount, the race was tied.

Wekilsky has held local office in Boonton on and off since 1980.

He was a school board member from 1980 to 1988, and first won a seat on the Board of Aldermen; the local governing body switched from Aldermen to a town council in 2021.

He served as mayor from 2006 to 2015, when he lost to Matthew DiLauri by twenty percentage points.  Wekilsky returned as an alderman in 2016.

“His history of public service to Boonton is remarkable and his impact on our town long-lasting,” said Councilman Benjamin Weisman.  “Whether we agreed or disagreed on an issue, we always appreciated his positive energy and his perspective.”

Wekilsky was up for re-election this year and was not seeking another term.  Republican Mark Wrobel faces DiSalvo in the general election.

The local Republican county committee must submit three names to serve out the remaining five months of Wekilsky’s term.   Democrats have a 5-2 majority on the town council – the mayor, James Lynch, is a Republican – and it’s unclear if they would give Wrobel a head start by appointing him.

Wekilsky was predeceased by his wife, Gunvor, in 2020.  He is survived by his son and daughter and several grandchildren.