BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Fred Kalisz, former longtime Mayor of New Bedford, and the current Bristol County Registrar of Deeds, died early Wednesday from complications of the coronavirus.
63-year-old Kalisz served New Bedford as a City Councilor before he was elected as mayor for four terms from 1997 to 2006.
During his tenure, Kalisz was known for resuming ferry service between the city and Martha's Vineyard, renovating the Buttonwood Park Zoo, and his work in improving education.
New Bedford's current Mayor Jon Mitchell has ordered all flags at city-owned buildings to be lowered to half-staff, and he said in a statement that Kalisz had an "unwavering support of the city."
Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson said he witnessed Kalisz' dedication to public service first-hand, and a number of other current and former local elected officials also offered their condolences to Kalisz' family and loved ones.
Fred Kalisz leaves behind his wife Pat and his son Ricky.
WBZ NewsRadio's Tim Dunn reports:
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Written by Brit Smith
(Photo: Getty Images)