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Frank (Pete) Blatz was Plainfield's mayor from 1969-73. |
UPDATED with links to obituaries --
- Ledger -- see here.
- NJ Globe -- see here. -- A thorough political obituary.
- Higgins funeral home -- see here.
Former Plainfield mayor Frank Blatz died on February 1st.
Blatz was the first mayor to serve under Plainfield's (formerly) newly revised charter (from 1969-73). He was a Republican, the next to last of that party to serve as mayor (Paul O'Keeff was the last, from 1974-81).
Under Blatz, the city professionalized its leadership positions. He also increased citizen participation in local government through the Model Cities program.
Blatz's leadership was considered an important part of the city's recovery after the disastrous period of George Hetfield as mayor (who called in the National Guard after rebellion broke out in the Fourth Ward).
I am told services will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Westfield this Wednesday (February 5) at 10:00 AM. I will update this post as soon as I learn more or an obituary becomes available.
St. Paul's Church is at 414 East Broad Street, across from the Westfield Town Hall.
As of now, this leaves three living former Plainfield mayors: Harold Mitchell (1990-93), Mark Fury (1994-97), and Sharon Robinson-Briggs (2006-13).
I am indebted to Plainfield resident Larry Bashe, deputy city administrator under Mayor Blatz (and city administrator under Mayor O'Keeff) for much of the information in this post.
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