The Seaside Heights borough hall building will now be known as the George E. Tompkins municipal complex, a tribute to the former borough mayor who passed away in Oct. 2014.
“I really am thankful for the honor bestowed upon my father,” said Richard Tompkins, who currently serves on the borough council. “Not a lot of things touch me anymore, but tonight really touched home and made me think of a lot of things growing up.”
Tompkins, who was 86 when he died, lived in Seaside Heights for over 50 years and served as mayor for 16 years, from 1975 to 1991. Following his term as mayor, he served as councilman for several years. Additionally, Tompkins served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
“We became best friends,” said Mayor Anthony Vaz, adding that Tompkins was a mentor to him when he was in his 20s. “He was a great person. It’s a great tribute to George and his family.”
George Tompkins was “always there,” said Councilwoman Agnes Polhemus. “If you went over to that office and wanted to see him, he was there.”
