Kevin James Saharic

Kevin James Saharic, age 62, of Lebanon Borough, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Kevin was born on January 16, 1964, in Red Bank, NJ, to Alexander “Lex” and Hazel (Minaldi) Saharic. He spent his early childhood in Sea Bright before moving to Lebanon in 1974 while in the third grade. He graduated from North Hunterdon High School in 1982 and remained a lifelong resident of Lebanon Borough.

Kevin was the beloved husband of Michele Kimberly Saharic. High school sweethearts, they married in 1985 and recently celebrated 40 years of marriage—a testament to their deep love and lifelong partnership.

Kevin dedicated 44 years of his career to Tamke Tree Experts in Bernardsville, NJ, where he served as Fleet and Property Manager. His work ethic, loyalty, and commitment were unmatched.

A man defined by service, Kevin devoted his life to fire and rescue. He joined the Lebanon Fire Company in 1980 and served with distinction for decades, including 23 years as Chief. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Captain and Public Safety Director for the Borough of Lebanon. Throughout his service, Kevin received numerous honors, including the Medal of Valor for rescuing both a downed firefighter and a civilian during a fire.

Kevin was a member of the Hunterdon County Fire Chiefs Association, a founding member of the FAST Team in Hunterdon County, and a founding member of the North Hunterdon Fire Alliance (Squad 51). He also served as Secretary for the New Jersey State Firemen’s Relief Association. In addition to his service in Lebanon, Kevin was a proud member of the Sea Bright Fire Rescue, serving alongside his father, Lex, who remains its oldest living member. In 2024, Kevin was honored as Grand Marshal of the Lebanon Borough Fourth of July Parade—an acknowledgment of his lasting impact on the community he loved and served so deeply.

Outside of his service, Kevin was an avid saltwater fisherman who loved boating with his family and friends. He also enjoyed scuba diving. He was a familiar face at Cryan’s in Annandale, where his favorite seat at the bar will forever feel empty.

Kevin loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, even if he playfully acted like he didn’t, and cherished time spent talking with family and friends, especially over FaceTime. Above all else, his greatest pride and joy were his daughters and grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife and parents, Kevin is survived by his two beloved daughters: Marlaina Saharic-Harding and her husband, Tucker, of Lebanon, NJ, and Ali Garrabrant and her husband, Corey, of Lebanon, NJ. He is also survived by his five cherished grandchildren: Blake Alexander, Matthew Kevin, Owen Joseph, Hazel Scarlett, and Carter Vincent, as well as Brooke Richards of Clinton Township, NJ, who was like a granddaughter to him.

He is further survived by his siblings: his twin sister, Lisa Saharic of Lebanon, NJ; Mark Saharic and his wife, Margie, of Lebanon, NJ; Michael Saharic of Hampton, NJ; and John Saharic and his wife, Lisa, of Lebanon, NJ; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and looked up to him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at the Lebanon Fire House, 88 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Lebanon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home in Lebanon, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lebanon Borough Fire Company, 88 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ 08833 or by clicking this link. 

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