The Village of Royal Palm Beach is mourning the unexpected passing of Mayor Fred Pinto, who died suddenly on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the age of 73.
The village released the following statement on Monday, Sept. 16: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mayor, Fred Pinto, who left us over the weekend. Mayor Pinto’s unwavering commitment and service to our community will forever be remembered and cherished. During this difficult time, Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara will assume the mayor’s responsibilities. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mayor Pinto’s family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.”
Pinto was first elected mayor in 2016, but his service on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council dates to his first election in 2003. He served continuously as an elected leader in the village for more than 21 years. He was most recently re-elected to his fifth term as mayor in March 2024.
Hmara said that he will honor Pinto at the beginning of the council meeting that was set for Thursday, Sept. 19. He lauded Pinto as an exceptional leader for the community.
“During his six-plus years as mayor, he led the village through the pandemic into a highly successful recovery,” Hmara said. “Royal Palm Beach opened many more beautiful parks, an incredibly upgraded Cultural Center and a spectacular new Village Hall while he was mayor. Fred was well-spoken and very quick on his feet. His ability to connect with an audience was a lesson for me. Fred enjoyed explaining complex things, usually saying: ‘Let me put this in context for you.’ He excelled at running an efficient council meeting and leaving everyone feeling heard and respected. This was no easy task. Fred Pinto gave Royal Palm Beach 20-plus years of dedication and leadership, for which we will be forever grateful. He will be missed.”
Former Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, a longtime supporter of Pinto’s, praised his late friend for his dedication to the community.
“Fred Pinto was often urged to run for my former seat on the county commission, but he said he would rather stay as mayor of Royal Palm Beach, because of his love of and commitment to the village,” Santamaria said. “He cared more about Royal Palm Beach than higher political aspirations. I will miss him greatly for his sincere friendship and for his passionate service to the community.”
Pinto’s fellow council members expressed shock and sadness in heartfelt tributes to the late mayor.
“I am saddened and overwhelmed by the sudden passing of Mayor Pinto,” Councilman Richard Valuntas said. “The village has suffered a tragic loss, and my heart goes out to his loving family. Fred was a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for the citizens of Royal Palm Beach for more than two decades. He was a trailblazer who had a tremendous impact on our community. Fred touched the lives of
so many people over the years, and he will be sorely missed.”
“I am deeply saddened for the sudden loss of Mayor Fred Pinto,” Councilwoman Selena Samios added. “He was a leader who not only served his community but also his country. He helped shape Royal Palm Beach into what it is today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this unexpected time.”
Councilwoman Jan Rodusky said that Pinto was a staunch protector and defender of Royal Palm Beach.
“He wanted the best for our residents and businesses,” Rodusky said. “As mayor, he led with a thoughtful and open mind, welcoming different viewpoints before carefully casting his votes for what he believed were the fair and principled decisions for the village and the community. It has been a privilege to work alongside him. His contributions were many and he has left an indelible legacy.”
Pinto’s passing was felt well beyond the Royal Palm Beach community. He served on several regional boards and committees, where he interacted with leaders across the political spectrum.
“Mayor Pinto’s life personified public service,” said State Rep. Jervonte Edmonds (D-District 88), whose district includes parts of Royal Palm Beach. “He championed the needs of the local community and was a tireless advocate for his constituents. He served the people of Royal Palm Beach for more than 20 years. Mayor Pinto also held leadership roles in various community organizations, including as chairman of the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency… We celebrate his life and mourn his loss. Mayor Pinto will forever be remembered for his selfless leadership and unwavering commitment to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Edmonds also noted that Pinto was a seasoned business leader and lauded him for his service in the United States Army, where he retired as a lieutenant colonel.
Pinto was born and raised in Harlem, New York. He graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration while studying finance and accounting. He also studied at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Before moving to Florida, Pinto served as a technology executive for several Wall Street investment banking firms, including Salomon Brothers, JP Morgan and Lehman Brothers, and a software development firm, Memco Inc. In Florida, he worked as a technology and business consultant.
Aside from his village service, Pinto served as chair of the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency and on the board of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. In other community service activities, he was past president of the Palm Beach County Caucus of Black Elected Officials, past president of the Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and a former member of the Palm Beach County Fair Housing/Equal Employment Opportunity Board. He also served as treasurer of the Palm Beach County Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society and served as legislative advocacy chair for the ACS Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life.
Pinto is survived by his wife Donielle, along with four adult sons and six grandchildren, as well as three additional children through marriage.
Any gifts for the family can be dropped off at Royal Palm Beach Village Hall in the Pinto family’s name. The family is grateful and most appreciative of everyone who has reached out with their support and love in this difficult time.
A service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, located at 100 Crestwood Blvd. South in Royal Palm Beach. Additional visitations and observances may be added.
