Fredrick Nickles

Fredrick P. Nickles - 69, passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2017 with his wife Jennifer at his side after a valiant fight against cancer. Fred grew up in Egg Harbor Township and was a public servant for over fifty years. He began his stewardship to the community as a Scullville Volunteer Firefighter and later became Chief of Scullville Fire Company and Deputy Chief of the five Egg Harbor Township Fire Companies. He served as a member of the Egg Harbor Township Planning Board and Chairman of the Recreation Committee. Fred 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 Wresting Official. Fred continued his governmental service as Egg Harbor Township Mayor and Committeeman. In August of 1994, Fred was appointed by Governor Christine Whitman to serve as Chairman of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. Fred also was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly and served as a member of the Assembly Education Committee, Transportation & Communication Committee, and Joint Legislative Education Committee. During his time as Assemblyman, he was a prime sponsor of legislation which revitalized the Casino Gaming Industry as well as Atlantic City. Fred’s real passion was education. He began his professional career as a physical education teacher in Egg Harbor Township Schools. He later served there as Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, High School Principal and as Superintendent of Schools for over twelve years. After retiring from Egg Harbor Township Schools, Fred was asked to become Superintendent of Atlantic City Schools in March of 2000. He served the Atlantic City School District until he retired again in June of 2012. During his time as Superintendent, he revitalized the District and took it from a failing school system to being designated by the State of New Jersey as “highly performing” in 2011. Fred’s accomplishments in Atlantic City Schools were highlighted in an article entitled “Against All Odds” which was published in Executive Educator May/June 2011. He was recognized in the article for his leadership that helped the District rise above urban societal problems and educating students speaking over 37 different languages. As Superintendent in Atlantic City, Fred worked tirelessly to have bond referendums passed to refurbish two schools, add an addition to a school and build four new schools. After retiring from Atlantic City, Fred had time to enjoy his many interests. He was an avid golfer who was a member of the Linwood Country Club and Veranda Country Club in Florida. His golfing buddies will surely miss him. Fred was a history buff who loved touring and visiting the historical sites and seeing the great vistas of the United States on his motorcycle with his wife Jennifer, family and friends. Fred loved his condominium in Fort Myers where he could bike on the trails and swim. When the Egg Harbor Township School District was in need of a strong and knowledgable leader, Fred was asked in July of 2016 to serve as Interim Superintendent. With that appointment, Fred came full circle. His professional, governmental and life experiences provided a unique opportunity to serve and solve the challenges faced by school systems of the present day. He left each District he served as a better educational school system. Fred was a highly motivated and joyful person who loved life and lived everyday to the fullest. Wherever Fred traveled he always ran into friends and acquaintances who will dearly miss him and his “bigger than life” personality. He attended Norfolk State College for one year where he was the first to integrate the school and play on the football team. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree 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. Viewings will be held at Farmington Volunteer Fire Company, 301 Maple Avenue, Egg Harbor Township on Friday, June 23 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm; and Saturday morning, June 24 from 10am to 11am. The Service will be held at Farmington Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday, June 24 at 11am with burial immediately following at Palestine Cemetery next to the Scullville Bible Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Fred’s memory 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.