Fred Ashton, Former Easton Mayor, Dies at 82

Fred Ashton, who served as Easton's mayor in the 1960s and 1970s, died Thursday in the city. He was 82.

Ashton had been living in Seaside Heights, NJ, but moved back to Easton following Hurricane Sandy, according to his obituary.

He served on city council from 1963 to 1967 before serving two terms as mayor.

"He served our city well, always with a smile," Mayor Sal Panto told WFMZ, which noted the city's flags would be lowered. "He made a lot of improvements to our city then and some continue today."

In addition to his work for the city, Ashton attended March Elementary, and graduated from Easton High School and Lafayette College.

Ashton was an Army veteran, Eagle Scout, and a member of numerous service organizations. He leaves behind his wife Shirley, five children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and a brother and sister.

Until 1970, he and his brother were partners in the Ashton Funeral Home. It's that home that will handle his services Saturday, with calling hours from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a service in the Easton Cemetery.