Obituary of Francis "Bo" Joseph Ench Jr.

In loving memory of Frank “Bo” Ench

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Francis J. Ench, Jr. on September 27, 2023. He was 87 years old. Bo, as he was known by all who knew him, was born on March 15, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, the second of six children, to Anne (McCartney) and Francis J., Sr. When Bo was 10, his family settled in West Orange, NJ, specifically in the tight-knit community on Ashland Avenue. It was there that Bo made life-long friends and cemented his legacy.

Bo attended St. John’s Catholic Grammer School in Orange, NJ and West Orange High School. Upon graduating, Bo enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the 5^th Armored Division, nicknamed the “Victory Division”, and rose to the rank of Private Second Class. His years of service marked the only time in Bo’s life he would truly leave West Orange.

Bo was a respected, self-made businessman. As the owner of SJ Carney Roofing and Ench Roofing Supply, he was thought of as an honest, dependable man of his word who preferred to close deals with a handshake. He operated his businesses on Ashland Avenue until his retirement in 2015.

Bo’s dedication to his family and community was always his priority. When not on a roof, Bo could be found coaching P.A.L football and supporting town baseball teams. His dedication to the community was most notably recognized when he was named Deputy Grand Marshall of the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2003. As well as the renaming of the field house at Lafayette Park to the “Bo Ench” Field House, a park Bo grew up playing in as a child. He loved packing up his family in his green van for their annual spring trip to Disney World, only stopping for gas or a drive-thru meal.

Bo will be celebrated for his generosity and mischievous spirit. Never failing to help family and friends in need, provide advice, or tell a joke with a twinkle in his eye. An avid sports enthusiast, golf was his true passion. He often said, “golf was his job, roofing was his hobby”. He spent many years enjoying time on the greens with his late wife Dianna. Later in life, Bo enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their games.

Bo is survived by his daughter Christine D’Amico and her husband Pat, son Frank Ench III and his wife Camille, daughter Jennifer Ench, daughter Kimberly Rametta and her husband Vincent, as well as brothers Jimmy and Jack. His loveable personality and humor will be missed by his grandchildren, Devin D’Amico, Colton Dahlin, and Bohn and Luke Ench. His Godson, Sam Kiley. As well as numerous extended family and friends.

Bo was predeceased by his wife Dianna, son Jeffrey and granddaughter Kyla Dahlin.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Dangler Funeral Home, 340 Main Street, West Orange, NJ. Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 26 Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ immediately followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Dianna.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Orange P.A.L., PO Box 71 TCB, West Orange, NJ 07052.