Frederick Nickles, who was serving as interim superintendent in the Egg Harbor Township school district, died on June 17 of cancer. He was 69 years old. Just four days before his death, he attended the Egg Harbor Township Board of Education meeting where the board appointed a permanent superintendent to succeed him.
Nickels, a native of Egg Harbor Township, began his professional career as a physical education teacher in the township’s schools. He later served at the middle school as assistant principal and then principal; as high school principal; and as superintendent of schools. He was also superintendent of Atlantic City schools from 2000 to 2012.
He served as mayor and committeeman in Egg Harbor Township. In August 1994, he was appointed by Gov. Christine Whitman to serve as the chairman of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Nickles was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly and served as a member of the Assembly Education Committee; Transportation and Communication Committee, and Joint Legislative Education Committee.
He was a longtime firefighter, serving as chief of the Scullville Fire Company and deputy chief of the five Egg Harbor Township fire companies. He was a member of the Egg Harbor Township Planning Board and chairman of the Recreation Committee. Nickles was a member of the Scullville Bible Church and was chairman of the Tri-State Bible Conference Camp.
He was also a member of the Northfield-Linwood Lions Club and a New Jersey state wrestling official.
Nickles attended Norfolk State College for one year, where he played on the football team. He graduated from the University of Maryland where he also played Division I football. He served as freshman football coach at the University of Maryland for two years. He received his Master’s degree from Glassboro State College.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Casey) Nickles, his daughters Jessica Wardencki, Jenna Wardencki, Erin Nickles, Amy Boyer (Jeff); grandchildren Kaitlyn and Ryan; sister-in-law Vi Nickles, and nephew Don (Becky) Nickles Jr. He is predeceased by his mother, Ruth (Thorn) Nickles, father, Wesley Nickles, and brother, Don Nickles.
The family requested memorial donations be made to the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company, 1708 Somers Point-Mays Landing Road, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234 or Farmington Volunteer Fire Company, 301 Maple Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234.