Ed Sinclair, Mahwah DPW Director Found Dead In His Home

Ed Sinclair, director of the Mahwah Department of Public Works, was found dead in his home of an apparent heart attack Thursday, Mayor William Laforet confirmed. He was 57.

“This is shocking news,” Laforet said. “He had been a longtime little league coach and a huge part of our community. He will be missed and our hearts go out to his family.”

Cliffviewpilot.com reported the cause of death was a heart attack.

Sinclair was hired in Mahwah May 4, 1987, Laforet said.

Sinclair was at the center of a months-long controversy involving Laforet.

Mayor William Laforet fired Sinclair in March after alleged child pornography was found on a discarded computer in the department of public works. The Town Council overturned the firing later that month.

Sinclair and his wife filed a $40 million lawsuit earlier this year seeking compensatory and punitive damages and legal fees.

Laforet and Ed Sinclair also ran against each other in the 2012 mayoral race.