EGG HARBOR CITY – Larry Wimberg, former mayor of Mullica Township, died Tuesday at home. He was 63.

Cancer had spread from Wimberg’s lungs throughout his body since Thanksgiving, his brother said. Wimberg was married to the former Karen Coyle and had a daughter and three grandchildren.

“I loved him very much,” said his brother, Lloyd Wimberg, proprietor of the funeral home handling the arrangements. “In the past few years, we had become very close. He was my best friend.”

Wimberg joined Mullica’s Township Committee in 1982 and was elected mayor in 1989. He was known for being at the center of political discourse in a perpetually contentious town, often presiding in overalls and suspenders.

He volunteered his time to senior citizens and played Santa Claus in the community at Christmas. He also was an emergency medical technician who volunteered with AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, the Elwood Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Galloway Township Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Wimberg had served less than three years as mayor when he was forced out of office, having pleaded guilty to illegally operating a landfill that had been closed down. Allies said Wimberg had done it for the good of his constituents and that he had been set up, but a Superior Court judge prohibited Wimberg from seeking public office again.

Wimberg suffered two heart attacks during his mayoral tenure, the second just weeks before he left office.

Viewings will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Wimberg Funeral Home, 400 Liverpool Ave. in Egg Harbor City. A service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Nicholas Church, 525 St. Louis Ave. Burial will follow at Egg Harbor City Cemetery.

To e-mail Eric Scott Campbell at The Press:

ECampbell@pressofac.com