So much of the life of Robert Donald Frank – known to many as Don or Donny – was lived in serving others. His passing on Jan. 23 will be deeply felt by his family and by the community of Fair Haven. A lifelong resident of Fair Haven, Don graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.
During the early 1960s, Don honorably served his country as a member of the United States Navy. Returning home from the service, he joined the Fair Haven Police Department, where he served for 31 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. His legacy of community service includes 58 years of volunteering as a member of Fair Haven’s First Aid Squad and Fire Department, where he held the rank of ex-Captain and founded the FHFD’s Scuba Diving Squad. He also served as past president of the town’s first aid squad. His enthusiasm for outdoor sports was reflected in his enjoyment of hunting and fishing.
Above all, Donny loved time spent with family and friends, each of whom will feel his absence from their days. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Peggy (Johnson) Frank; daughter, Diane Rittman (and Scott); his son, Bob Frank; and his five grandchildren, Sarah, Jason, Joe, Molly, and Anna. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Bob Johnson. Don was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Frank and Sarah (Murphy) Frank, and by his daughter, Jill Roberts, in 2014.
A memorial gathering was held for Donny on Jan. 26 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, with a private burial at a later date. A repast was held, in celebration of Donny’s life, on Jan. 28 at the Fair Haven Fire House.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you might consider a gift in Donny’s memory to the Fair Haven Fire Department, 645 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704, or to the Fair Haven First Aid Squad, at the same address.
