(Fanwood, NJ) — Former Fanwood chief financial officer and Assistant Business Administrator Frederick Tomkins of Clark, NJ, passed away on Friday, January 24.
Mr. Tomkins served the Borough for 18 years before retiring in 2021. He had over 50 years of experience in public accounting and auditing. He joined Donohue Gironda Doria Tomkins LLC, a CPA municipal accounting firm, in 1987.
“Fred had a statewide reputation that was unsurpassed in the field of municipal financing and helped navigate Fanwood through its most transformative period of redevelopment. Fred was a mentor and friend to countless public officials who always sought out his opinion and always understood they were getting sound responsible advice. He was a guiding light of fiscal responsibility for myself and many Fanwood Council members who relied on his calm demeanor,” said Mayor Mahr, who worked with Fred for over 20 years. “I want to send my deepest condolences to his wife, Kathy, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who shared Fred with us for so many years.”
When Mr. Tomkins retired he was given a warm sendoff by Co-workers, elected officials, friends and family gathered for his retirement celebration. He told the gathering that his job was to remain behind the scenes while elected officials were the front-facing voices for the town.
“Fred’s honesty and encyclopedic knowledge of state and local law made him a role model for what a public servant should be. He taught me so much. I will never forget him,” said Tom Kranz, a former Fanwood councilman. “Fred was a beacon of common sense.”
A visitation will be held this Tuesday, January 28 from 4 to 7 pm at Dooley Colonial Home in Westfield. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, January 29 at 11 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westfield with burial to follow at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery in Colonia.
Click here to see his obituary.
