With immeasurable sadness, I report the passing this morning of a dear friend and significant community leader, Fred Nickles.

Fred passed away this morning following a heroic battle with cancer. Fred had no quit in him and fought it with everything he had.

Fred's accomplishments in life are so many.

Husband, Father and one of the most fiercely loyal friends you could ever wish for.

Fred's professional life is legendary:

Athlete, Coach, Teacher, Principal, Superintendent Egg Harbor Township (twice) Public Schools and Atlantic City Public Schools, Committeeman, Mayor, First-Responder, Freeholder, New Jersey Assemblyman, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Executive Director and more.

Any one of these would qualify for an MVP Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fred literally saved the Atlantic City Public Schools System when it was teetering on ruination. The school was under state level 2 monitoring.

Fred and his teamwork approach turned the Atlantic City Public Schools into an award-winning school district.

When the Egg Harbor Township Public Schools system was deteriorating, Fred Returned as Superintendent and again righted the ship of state.

Fred always demonstrated great public courage and he was never afraid to take on tough issues that most people would shy away from.

I will miss Fred more than words can say. In the game of life, Fred Nickles made a profound difference in the lives of so many people.

Fred was a beautiful combination of strength, toughness and kindness.

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