BRICK – Frank Spital, a beloved Brick Township resident and WWII veteran, has passed away at the age of 101.
The parade included hundreds of motorcycles, classic cars, new cars, emergency vehicles, military vehicles and birthday well-wishers. Many of the vehicles were decorated with some having banners that said “Happy Birthday Frank.” Many drivers had their windows open so they could shout out birthday greetings.
Frank was born on September 1, 1922, to Anna (nee Kylyschym) and Thomas Spital in Hillside, NJ. He is the remaining child of eight, predeceased by his siblings: sisters, Mary, Kate, Fanny, Eva & Anna and brothers John & Nicholas.
Drafted in 1942, Frank was part of the 100th Infantry and served in Germany and then Bitche, France where his detail was known as the “Sons of Bitche.”
He spent four years in Germany and France on a supply chain, delivering food, water, clothing and munitions to soldiers.
After the war, Frank got a job as a machinist with Bristol Meyers and worked there for 40 years until he retired. Bristol Meyers is also where he met his future wife, Barbara Kisner of Union.
She died in 2018 at the age of 89. The couple had been married for 52 years and had two children: Tom, who lives in Littleton, Colorado, and Leslie Riccie, his daughter with whom he lives in Lake Riviera.
According to his obituary, Frank retired after 40 years as a machinist to travel the world with Bobbie. They toured throughout Europe, cruised to Alaska and enjoyed many, many trips throughout the States with their “club” of friends.
“Frank was an avid woodworker and enjoyed making dollhouse furniture, small, designed pieces and many, many toys. He was active in the craft show circuit and when he did not sell pieces, he gave a large amount away to friends, relatives, and total strangers,” Frank’s obituary states.
Frank Spital
Frank was a member of Elmora Presbyterian Church, Springfield Presbyterian Church. He was a 32nd degree Mason in Azure Masada Masonic Lodge #22, member of Salaam Shrine. He was also a member of the Kenilworth VFW and the Hillside Italian American Club. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Trustees representing volunteers at Trinitas Medical Center and in 2016, both Frank and Barbara were named Trinitas’ “Volunteers of the Year.”
“Frank’s goal was to reach 100 years of age,” his obituary states.
Frank is survived by his daughter Leslie Riccie and her husband Greg Riccie, and son Thomas Spital. Grandchildren Jonathan Riccie, Jeremy Riccie and his wife Rebecca, and Knight Spital as well as great grandchildren Benjamin Frank and Olivia Rae.
Services were held on October 28 up in Union, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to American Legion Post #470 238 North 14th Street, Kenilworth, NJ 07033.
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