Robert Ringelheim shephered application reviews, master plans and land-use ordinances
Hillsborough Township’s top planning official, Robert M. Ringelheim, was remembered by the official family this week for helping diligently to shape the township’s future.
”He was a very dedicated public servant, a true professional and a wonderful colleague,” said Mayor Frank DelCore at Tuesday night’s Township Committee meeting.
Mr. Ringelheim died Thursday, June 6, at University of Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro at the age of 60.
Mr. Ringelheim was a central figure in reviewing land-use applications and drafting, clarifying and interpreting the township’s land use ordinances and intent of its Master Plan, which features a long-range “town center” focus along Route 206.
Deputy Mayor Doug Tomson recalled Mr. Ringelheim’s work ethic and personality.
”He was a very hard worker, day in and day out,” he said. “He was truly an asset to the township for many years, and his presence and happiness around the municipal building will surely be missed.
”Bob’s impact in town over the last decade can be seen in every development throughout town,” he said. “He has been integral in implementing our Master Plan and helping develop a vision for Hillsborough.”
Mr. Tomson said he will remember Mr. Ringelheim’s joy in bringing his granddaughter to the township holiday party.
”The love he had for his granddaughter got to you every time,” Mr. Tomson said.
Planning Board Chairman Steve Sireci, who also is a former mayor, said he always enjoyed working with Mr. Ringelheim.
”I used to go into the planning department, and it was always a pleasure, a warm and friendly place,” Dr. Sireci said. “You could feel at home, sit down and chat about things.”
Dr. Sireci, who attended funeral services Sunday, said the eulogizing rabbi said Mr. Ringelheim knew, even as a youngster, he wanted to plan cities.
Perhaps he felt kindred enthusiasm, Dr. Sireci said, because he, too, held a fascination with planning, going back to his youth in Lodi, Bergen County.
Born in Queens, Mr. Ringelheim resided in Parsippany before moving to East Windsor 26 years ago.
He had worked as township planner for the last 10 years.
Mr. Ringelheim was a congregant of Beth El Synagogue, East Windsor.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Michelle Kaufmann Ringelheim; his children, Stuart and Lauren, both at home; his mother, Dorothy Ringelheim, of Queens; and a granddaughter, Layla.
Funeral services were held at Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels, Cranbury Road at Evergreen Boulevard, East Brunswick, followed by interment at Beth El Perrineville Jewish Cemetery, Perrineville.
According to the memorial chapel website, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., fifth floor, Norwalk, Connecticut, 06851.