Jules L. Plangere, Jr., former publisher of the Asbury Park Press and a leading benefactor of Monmouth University died Sunday from complications following a stroke. He was 95.

Mr. Plangere was a partner in Press Communications, LLC, and PMCM TV, multi-media companies involved in radio and television. He was the former chairman of New Jersey Press Inc., the parent holding company that owned the Asbury Park Press, The Home News Tribune, New Jersey 101.5, and other media properties.

Mr. Plangere sold his interest in New Jersey Press’ newspaper division to Gannett during 1997. The broadcasting properties, which were not included in the sale, were used to create Press Communications and PMCMTV which owns television properties WJLP, New York City, on Channel 3, and KJWP, Philadelphia, on Channel 2.

Mr. Plangere was born in Spring Lake and graduated from Asbury Park High School where he was captain of the tennis team, co-captain of the basketball team, and president of the student council. Following his graduation, he attended Rutgers University but left to join the army during World War II. After attending Officer Candidate School, he served as an artillery officer defending airfields on the island Okinawa and, after VJ Day, as part of the peacekeeping mission in Korea.

After his military service, Mr. Plangere joined the Asbury Park Press in 1947. As a management trainee, he worked in all departments of the newspaper, ending up as production manager. He served in that capacity for 20 years He was named secretary of the Press in 1966, president and general manager in March 1974, publisher in January 1977, and chairman of the board in 1980.

Mr. Plangere was a Trustee Emeritus of Monmouth University. He served as chairman of the board from 1983 to 1989. Among the significant actions taken during Mr. Plangere’s six years as chairman, was the adoption of the University’s first strategic plan. The plan’s goals included achieving distinction in the Middle Atlantic region, continuing to improve the school’s quality and elevate its standards, and establishing a closer partnership with the community.

In 1996, Monmouth awarded Mr. Plangere an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. In 2002, the Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Center for Communications and Instructional Technology was named and dedicated in honor of Mr. Plangere for his philanthropic generosity. Also in 2002, Mr. Plangere received the University’s highest award, the President’s Vision Award. And, in September 2005, he was awarded the MACE award, Monmouth University’s Award for Communication Excellence.

Mr. Plangere served on the Rutgers University Board of Overseers and, in May 2003, was inducted into the Rutgers University Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.

Mr. Plangere also served as the Chairman of the Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Family Foundation. His personal involvement in civic organizations included being president of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, director of the Shore Area YMCA, and he served on the Welfare Council of Monmouth County, the Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of America and the New Jersey Society to Prevent Blindness. The foundation has supported numerous causes and charities including the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Asbury Park Music Festival, Boys and Girls Club, Interfaith Neighbors, Community YMCA, and has provided college scholarships to deserving Asbury Park High School students.

A native of Spring Lake and current resident of Boynton Beach, FL, Mr. Plangere is survived by his wife, the former Jane Walhauser, his son, Jules L. Plangere, III, of Wall, and Jane’s children John C. Conover III, Wendy Bickart, and the late Jeffrey Conover, plus several grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, at 2 pm at Woodrow Wilson Hall on the main campus of Monmouth University, West Long Branch. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Monmouth University or to The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Arrangements are being made by O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall Township.