The city of Foley announced Sunday that longtime mayor and city councilor John Koniar has died after 40 years in city government.

Koniar was a city councilman from 1980 until 2006, when he was appointed mayor of Baldwin County city. Koniar then won three terms as Foley’s mayor before retiring in 2020.

According to the city, Koniar oversaw a period of rapid growth and development, as the city’s population and budget soared, thanks to its proximity to Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches.

Foley was one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities during that time, including expansion of county roads, the city’s emergence as a sports tournament host venue, and the development of the OWA Parks and Resort, a theme park, water park, and entertainment venue in the city.

According to his obituary, Koniar is survived by his wife Linda Sue (Lee), sons John Todd Koniar (Kim) of Magnolia Springs, Robert Thomas Koniar (Sarah) of Lewisville, Texas, daughter Mell Koniar Davis of Foley; five grandchildren, Katherine Ann Koniar, John Bradley Koniar, Claire Ann Davis, Shelby Chatham Koniar, Lee Webster Davis; sister, Sandy Chatham Martin (Ken) of Cato, MS; and many nieces and nephews.

Koniar served four years in the United States Air Force, being honorably discharged as a captain in 1969, and worked for Vulcan, Inc. in Foley for 37 years.

Koniar’s visitation will be Thursday, March 28 at First Presbyterian Church of Foley from 1-3 p.m. with the funeral service to follow.