Is it necessary to add the second "of the " in this sentence? I am wondering if it still remains same meaning after omitting it.

He is one of the foremost "of the" founding fathers.

Question

Is it necessary to add the second "of the " in this sentence? I am wondering if it still remains same meaning after omitting it.

He is one of the foremost "of the" founding fathers.

Answer

"He is one of the foremost founding fathers" The second "of the" would be awkward and unnecessary.

Answer

It looks fine to me with or without "of the". "Of the" is not necessary.

Answer

Yes, this way is fine. However in this latest sentence you have omitted “founding”, which changes the meaning.

Answer

Yes. As it is currently written “of the” is necessary.

However if the final word is changed from plural to singular, “of the” must be omitted:
“He is the foremost founding father.”