Captain John Scott-Bey

John Wesley Scott-Bey, III, 78, passed away on October 4, 2025, in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, surrounded by his family and close friends. Born on October 24, 1946, in Newark, New Jersey, John was the second oldest of six children born to Pauline Whitaker-Bey and Edward Scott-Bey, Sr. John lived a life marked by service, dedication, and deep love for his family and community.

John was educated in the Newark Public School System, attending Malcolm X. Shabazz High School. John answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army in 1966.

He was a member of the 1st Infantry Division and was deployed to Vietnam. John served his country with distinction and earned numerous medals including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army and returned home to Newark to continue his life of service.

Upon returning to Newark, John joined the Newark Police Department in 1971 starting out as a patrolman in the West District. Over the course of his 34-year career, he rose through the ranks from patrol officer to Captain before retiring in 2005. John gained certification in police techniques and programs from the New Jersey State Police Training Bureau, Kean College, Penn State University, Caldwell College and the Harvard School of Management.  He also worked with several federal agencies on task forces.  Throughout his tenure with the Newark Police Department, John worked in every district, as well being assigned to the Robbery Homicide Squad, Tactical Squad, and serving as a state certified instructor at the Newark Police Academy. 

During his lengthy career he received more than 500 medals and citations; facilitated over 20,000 arrests and has the distinction of being the third most decorated police officer in the city of Newark’s history.          

John is one of Newark’s great public servants and leaders.  He protected the residents from crime and served them with valor, integrity, and the highest professionalism.  He is a role model and mentor to generations of police officers.

John found great fulfillment mentoring younger officers and sharing the wisdom he had gained during his 37-year law enforcement career. 

In 2002, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as Commander of the South District. He was one of the city's highest-ranking officers and one of only five black captains in the Newark Police Department. His leadership and dedication were recognized when he was briefly named Chief of Police —an honor that reflected both his professional excellence and the respect he garnered among his peers.

His passion for guiding youth extended beyond the force; he was actively involved in the Police Athletic League (PAL) as a basketball coach and supported the Police Explorers program. He was also a member of the Newark Police Department Bronze Shields and the Urban League of Essex County.

After retiring from the Newark Police Department, he worked for several years at the Head of Security for the Newark Board of Education. 

In May 2019, John met Dollie Butler Hamlin at Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ. Their relationship grew, culminating with their marriage on November 24, 2020. In 2022, they moved to Burlington, New Jersey, where they joined Tabernacle Baptist Church, where John served in the mission, prison, and security ministries.

Dollie and John remained lovingly devoted to each other throughout their six-year marriage until his untimely death. 

John’s life was deeply rooted in family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dollie Butler Scott-Bey; his son, Wayne Harris-Bey (Kelly) and daughter, Ebony Cutchin (Sidney); his step-son Darrell Holmes (Aleisha); his cherished granddaughters, Destiny Harris, Sydney Cutchin, Brooklyn Cutchin and Destiny Holmes; his step-grandsons, Xavier Covington and Cameron Warren; his brothers, Kenneth Scott (LaShawn) and Dennis Scott-Bey (Sandra); his sister, Debra Scott-Bey and his sister-in-law, Darlene Scott-Bey. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members and friends. He will be missed by his loyal dog, Thor, who was always by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pauline Whitaker-Bey and Edward Scott-Bey, Sr.; his sister, Orissa Scott-Bey Gavin, his brother, Edward Scott-Bey, Jr. and best friend of over 40 years, Joseph Null.

John had a gift for storytelling—his tales of younger days were legendary among those who knew him. Whether gathered around a table or watching movies together at home, time spent with John was always filled with laughter and warmth. His ever-present smile lit up every room he entered. John loved helping people and bringing a smile to the face of everyone he met. 

John Wesley Scott-Bey III leaves behind a lifetime of memories which will bring comfort to all who knew him. May his legacy of service continue to inspire future generations.