Camden Activist, Landlord Frank Fulbrook Dies

Frank Fulbrook, a well-known landlord and activist in Camden, died Tuesday morning after a yearlong struggle with a lung infection, city officials announced.

“Camden lost one of its most dedicated and committed advocates,” Camden City Mayor Dana Redd said in a statement. “Frank always fought for what he believed was in the best interest for Camden residents and businesses. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Fulbrook's family and friends during this difficult time. All Camden is mourning with them.”

Unmistakable with his beard and signature flannel jacket, Fulbrook, who lived in the city’s Cooper’s Grant neighborhood, made an unsuccessful run at office and battled the city, frequently in court, over myriad issues.

His death comes with almost eerie timing—the last pieces of the Sears building on Admiral Wilson Boulevard, which Fulbrook had fought to preserve, came down just days before, as demolition wrapped up last week.

“Frank was a tireless advocate for Camden and its residents,” Fifth District legislators Sen. Donald Norcross, Assemblyman Angel Fuentes and Assemblyman Gilbert “Whip” Wilson said in a statement.

West Deptford Mayor Ray Chintall sent along a remembrance of Fulbrook, his Woodrow Wilson High School classmate, as well as an old yearbook photo.

"Frank and I were members of the National Honor Society and Interact Club during our years at high school," Chintall wrote. "Frank always had strong ties with Camden. Many years have gone by since I have seen Frank. His love of Camden and the strength of conviction in his beliefs which were for the benefit of Camden will be sorely lost.

"Along with Randy Primas, another high school classmate, who died last year, they fought for Camden to prosper," he said.