Kirk O. Larson, a highly respected scallop fisherman, co-owner of the Viking Village commercial fishing fleet dock, and longtime mayor of Barnegat Light, N.J., passed away on August 30 following emergency heart surgery. His sudden death, reported by The SandPaper, has left his family, the fishing community, and the residents of Barnegat Light deeply saddened. Larson had experienced severe back pain before being rushed to the AtlantiCare Cardiac Center near Atlantic City, where he died during surgery.

For more than four decades, Larson was a central figure in New Jersey’s fishing industry, dedicating his life to both the sea and his community. He began his career in the scallop fleet in 1978 when he purchased the vessel Grand Larson alongside his parents, John and Marion Larson. The boat became part of what would grow into a fleet that helped define Barnegat Inlet as a hub for commercial fishing. Through the years, the operation thrived in a variety of fisheries, including scallops, tilefish, pelagic longlining, and coastal gill netting. His leadership and passion for the industry helped ensure the success and sustainability of the port for generations to come.

The roots of Viking Village itself stretch back nearly a century, when Scandinavian immigrants settled on the New Jersey shore in the 1920s, drawn to opportunities in small fishing communities. In 1927, several fishermen formed the Independent Fish Co., the site that would later become Viking Village. In the 1970s, Kirk’s father, Captain John Larson, together with Louis Puskas, purchased the dock and expanded operations by pioneering the tilefish fishery. Kirk inherited not only the family legacy but also the pioneering spirit that had driven his predecessors, and he worked tirelessly to grow Viking Village into a cornerstone of the East Coast fishing industry.

Beyond his work at sea, Larson also devoted himself to public service. For 30 years, he served as mayor of Barnegat Light, earning respect for his leadership, dedication, and love for the tight-knit coastal community. Residents remember him as a man who never shied away from hard work and who always put the needs of his town first. Under his leadership, Barnegat Light maintained its reputation as both a thriving fishing port and a welcoming community for locals and visitors alike.

Larson’s influence extended well beyond the docks and town hall. He was a mentor to many younger fishermen, offering guidance on both the challenges of working at sea and the responsibilities of preserving a family-run business. His ability to balance the demands of a rigorous industry with the obligations of public service made him a unique and admired figure. To those who knew him personally, he will be remembered for his generosity, humor, and steadfast character.

The passing of Kirk O. Larson marks the end of an era for Viking Village and for Barnegat Light. His contributions helped shape not only the fishing industry of the region but also the very identity of the community he loved. While his absence will be deeply felt, his legacy of hard work, leadership, and dedication to both the sea and the people of Barnegat Light will endure for years to come.