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Commissioner Richard Jarvis Sr.


Commissioner of Public Works

Born and raised in Lyndhurst, Commissioner Richard L. Jarvis Sr. is a proud graduate of Lyndhurst High School. He earned his Master Plumber’s license and has owned and operated Jarvis Plumbing & Heating LLC since 1976. Furthering his expertise, he attended Bergen Community College, where he completed plumbing courses in Industrial & Commercial Structures and Hazardous & High-Rise Structures. With deep technical knowledge of water service, distribution, and sanitary drainage systems, he has dedicated his career to ensuring quality infrastructure for his community.

As the owner of Jarvis Plumbing & Heating LLC, Commissioner Jarvis uniquely donated all plumbing labor and materials for the construction of the Lyndhurst High School Field House, making him the only contractor to contribute in this way—an extraordinary testament to his unwavering commitment to the town’s development and his deep pride for Lyndhurst.

In 2017, he was elected to the Township Commission, where he leads the Department of Public Works. During his tenure, he has overseen numerous projects, including the repaving and reconstruction of nearly three miles of roadway in 2020, as well as stormwater system improvements and other essential infrastructure enhancements.

Newly reelected in 2025 for a third term, Commissioner Jarvis remains dedicated to securing funding for infrastructure improvements. His top department priorities include overseeing:

  • Ongoing repairs and reconstruction of roadways to ensure safety and efficiency.
  • The replacement of over 2,700 lead and aging water lines in a multi-year, three-phase project—at no cost to homeowners—💧 SAFE WATER FOR EVERY HOME!
  • A new water meter installation upgrade program for smarter, more accurate billing—at no cost to homeowners.
  • Immediate salting and snow removal to ensure safe roadway conditions during winter.
  • Tree trimming and landscaping to maintain the town’s aesthetic and prevent hazards.
  • Efficient recycling and garbage removal to uphold environmental sustainability.

Commissioner Jarvis is married to Amelia (Amy) (née Sammarone), and both are lifelong residents of Lyndhurst. Together, they have three children: Jennifer and her husband Chris, Richard and his wife Sheri, and Lauren and her husband Antonio. They are so proud of their seven grandchildren: Emily, a junior at the University of Maryland; Kaitlyn, a certified dental assistant; Megan, a sophomore at Clemson University; Dennis, an apprentice plumber following in his grandfather’s footsteps; Matthew, a senior at Lyndhurst High School; Luca, age 2½; and Matteo, age 2 months.

Commissioner Jarvis’ father, William D. Jarvis, served in the Lyndhurst Police Department for 35 years, retiring as Police Chief. William and his wife, Catherine (née Boglivi), were lifelong residents of Lyndhurst.