(above) Bill Populous headshot, undated
Fanwood Mourns Passing of Former Councilman and Real Estate Commissioner Bill Populus
Bill Populus, who lived in Fanwood for almost 50 years while raising his family and becoming an icon of good government and civic pride, died following a long illness. He was 83. He died at JFK Medical Center in Edison early on Friday, April 26th, 2019.
Mr. Populus served several terms as a Borough Councilman in Fanwood beginning in 1993. During those terms, he served as Council President and Council liaison to the borough Recreation Commission, Shade Tree Commission and Public Works Committee. He was instrumental in creating a master plan for borough parks and helped secure funding for them. He also spearheaded the formation of the first merchants’ association in 1993 and later created committees bringing together business, volunteer and community leaders to begin the rebirth of Fanwood’s downtown. His legacy lives on in the redevelopment that has shaped our town and continues today.
Mr. Populus was the first black Councilman elected in Fanwood. He remained politically active in Fanwood’s Democratic organization, taking part in Committee meetings and fundraisers well into 2018.
“One of the things he was very proud of was being appointed a Real Estate Commissioner,” said Marilyn Populus, his wife of 59 years, who showed the letter he received from then-Governor Jim McGreevey confirming his appointment to the NJ Real Estate Commission in 2003. His appointment was continued by Acting Governor Cody and later by Governor Corzine. Mr. Populus worked as a real estate broker and later as an appraiser well into his 80’s.
“But his greatest achievement in life was being the perfect father and husband,” she said.
The Populuses were originally from New Orleans. Various circumstances and a New Jersey connection led them to move to Plainfield in 1961. Mr. Populus’ first job here was selling lingerie at Korvette’s department store in the Blue Star shopping center. He later became a mail carrier before finally getting his real estate license. The Populuses moved to their house on LaGrande Avenue in Fanwood in 1971 where they raised their two sons, William and Peter, and daughter Erika. All went through the Scotch Plains-Fanwood public school system.
Mr. Populus was a military veteran, first joining the Navy in 1953 and later joining the Air Force. As luck would have it, his stints in those services happened to miss both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
“We send our deepest condolences to Marilyn, Billy, Peter, Erika and the grandchildren,” said Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr. “I considered Bill a close friend and confidant. He was someone whose opinion and guidance I sought. I am a better person and Mayor because I knew Bill Populus.”
Funeral arrangements were pending at press time.
(above) As Council President in 1999 presenting proclamation to Rescue Squad Captain Jeffrey Downing for the squad’s service to Bound Brook following Tropical Storm Floyd
