UPDATED: Former Bloomfield Township Supervisor Fred Korzon Dead at 89

Fred Korzon, who served as supervisor of Bloomfield Township for 18 years, died Saturday at his Bloomfield Township home, according to a news release. He was 89.

Korzon started his civic service in the late 1960s and was first elected supervisor in 1984, following his appointment to the position in 1982, the news release from Bloomfield Township stated. He served in that post until 1999, when he resigned and appointed then-Treasurer Dave Payne.

Payne, who retired in 2011 after a 41-year career with Bloomfield Township, told Patch previously that he often considered Korzon a model in both leadership and effective stewardship.

He said Korzon focused on maintaining the high-quality residential character of Bloomfield Township while the business community expanded along Telegraph and Maple roads, and Woodward Avenue.

“Fred was instrumental in developing the Township’s Master Plan and made sure the uniqueness of the residential communities would be protected while commercial growth and development took place,” Payne said in a written statement. “I owe a lot to him. He gave me professional opportunities and mentored me in my career.”

Prior to his stint as supervisor, Korzon, a former bombardier with the U.S. Army Air Corps., served on the Zoning Board of Appeals in 1967 and was elected to the township board a year later. He became treasurer in 1972.

"Fred served the Township well as Supervisor, Treasurer, Trustee and Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals. He was fondly known as 'King Korzon,'" Township Clerk Jan Roncelli said.

His municipal career followed many years in development and real estate, as well as teaching, the release stated. Korzon taught at Lahser High School for five years following his graduation from Oakland University. He also received a Master of Arts at the University of Michigan.

Funeral arrangements are still pending.