Montclair School Board Member Dies; Peers Mourn Alfred Davis

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Alfred Davis, a member of the Montclair Board of Education, has died, district officials announced Thursday.

Davis began serving on the board in 2019.

Board President Latifah Jannah and Superintendent Jonathan Ponds released the following statement of condolence:

“The district is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Alfred Davis who served on the Montclair Board of Education since May of 2019. We lost a dear friend, a consummate and astute professional, and a champion for public education. He was a gentle, thoughtful man and highly respected by the community and his fellow board members. He worked tirelessly serving our community through his medical practice, his many dedicated years as founding member of the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation along with its parade and festival, as well as being the board’s liaison for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast. His character was beyond reproach, and everything he did during his service to our schools was for the betterment of our students. Dr. Davis provided insight and wisdom until the end and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time.”

Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, a Montclair resident, also paid tribute to Davis with a statement of condolence. He wrote:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Albert Davis. Like many, I was proud to call him my friend. Through his personable nature and tireless work ethic, he was highly respected by so many people throughout Montclair and beyond. In his capacity as a well-known chiropractor, a member of the Montclair Board of Education, and a founding member of the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation – he was always at the forefront of service with respect to our children and the entire Montclair community. Dr. Davis will be missed dearly. I offer prayers and well wishes to his entire family, and to all who loved him."

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