Former 3-Time Lawrence Township Mayor, Mercer Co. Hall of Famer Dies At 92

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Former three-time Lawrence Township Mayor and Mercer County Soccer Hall of Famer Frank P. Nerwinski died on Aug. 15. He was 92.

Nerwinski was a graduate of St. Hedwig’s Grammar School, Trenton Catholic Boys High School, and Rider College (’59).

He was a Rider Athletics Hall of Famer after earning All America Honors in 1958. “Nerwinski played left fullback in old style of soccer where fullbacks often scored,” Rider Athletics said.

He enlisted in the United States Navy and served for four years, including during the Korean War on the destroyer U.S.S. Fred T. Berry, according to his obituary.

Nerwinski worked at Johnson & Johnson for 30 years and retired as the Director of Administrative Services.

He was a councilman in Lawrence Township for 12 years, including three terms as Mayor.

He was Commander of American Legion Post 458 in Trenton, NJ, and played an integral role in establishing the Tom Hamnett Soccer Club in the township.

“Frank was an outstanding soccer player in the Trenton area,” his obituary said.

“He was inducted into both Rider College and Mercer County’s Halls of Fame. He was a standout player with Trenton Catholic, St. Michael’s CC, Houghton Inn and Olden AA in the Philadelphia Major League where he was named to the All-Star Team.”

Nerwinski a parishioner at The Church of St. Ann, was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7000, and for years delivered donated food by church members to the Mt. Carmel Guild Food Pantry.

“Frank loved spending time at his beach house in Barnegat Light with his wife, children and grandchildren. He could also be found on the sidelines at many soccer, field hockey, baseball, and softball games and swim meets, cheering on his children and grandchildren,” according to his obituary.

In lieu of flowers, Nerwinski requested donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

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