Nathan Stokes

Nathan Stokes, 87, of West Palm Beach, Fla., died July 30, 2011. Born in Newark, he lived in Springfield before moving to Florida 21 years ago, first to Lake Worth and then to West Palm Beach.

Mr. Stokes was a teacher for the Newark Board of Education at the 14th Avenue School and the Franklin School as a physical education and elementary school teacher for many years, retiring 26 years ago.

He served as mayor of Springfield in the 1970s.

He earned a BA in physical education from Panzer College, an MA in administration and supervision from Seton Hall, and an MA in safety education from New York University.

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He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He played semi-professional basketball and was a championship table tennis player and championship tennis player.

Predeceased by his wife, Estelle (Dreskin), he is survived by his son, Philip of Plymouth, Mass.; two daughters, Dale Hartman of Watchung and Margot Eichhorn of Memmingem, Germany; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held Aug. 5 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Literacy Initiative or the American Cancer Society.