Colleagues did not give Mr. Stephenson's exact cause of death, but said he had spent time in the hospital and lost weight.

"It didn't affect his mind, that's something I can tell you," said Councilman Jim Gray.

Those who worked with Mr. Stephenson in the township recalled him as a skilled educator and gracious and poised leader who had a hand in many of Willingboro's key projects, including the economic development of the Route 130 corridor. He was appointed to a yearlong term as mayor by the council five times during his tenure.

"He provided a lot of inspiration and leadership to the township council," said Councilman Eddie Campbell.

Mr. Stephenson was married and had two grown daughters.

The deputy mayor was formerly superintendent of Camden County schools, as well as a principal there.

"I remember when we were working together just this past April, when we were going over the school budget - his knowledge of school budgets was phenomenal," said Gray.

He had a "fantastic singing voice" and sang the national anthem at the township's Fourth of July parade, Gray said.

Mr. Stephenson was due to leave the Township Council in 2010. He and Gray, both Democrats, were defeated in the local primary last month, after the county party took the unusual step of supporting challengers Nathaniel Anderson and Ken Gordon in their place.

The mood yesterday at municipal offices was sober, said Township Manager Joanne Diggs. The township will keep its flag at half-staff until the funeral, she said.

A viewing will be held at Delaware Valley Baptist Church from 9 to 11 a.m. tomorrow, followed by the funeral, according to information provided by the township clerk's office.