Obituary of Nelson C. Frank

Nelson C. Frank,77

Nelson C. Frank, age 77, of West Orange, New Jersey passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025.   Nelson was born on February 24, 1948 and grew up in West Orange and was a star athlete in West Orange High School.    A devoted father, Nelson is survived by his three children Nelson E. Frank and spouse Victoria Frank of Lanoka Harbor, Paul J. Frank and  spouse Helene Houlis-Frank of Randolph and Carri Ann Frank-Qiku and spouse Izzy Qiku of Flemington;  seven grandchildren, Justin, Sean, Brandon, Sofia, Ava, Angelo and Jonathan.  Nelson also leaves behind two sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Joseph Romano of Denville and Barbara and Vinny DeMichele of Palm City, Florida as well as five nieces and nephews: Lisa, Anthony, Robbie, Kimberly and Christopher.  Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Lena Frank. 

Nelson enjoyed watching all sporting events, mostly golf, baseball, football and college basketball.  He was a lifelong New York Yankees and New York Giants fan and coached his sons’ youth baseball teams.  He enjoyed jogging, skiing, biking in New York City and anything that involved being outdoors.  He truly loved to walk and hike the nature trails of the South Mountain Reservation in South Orange.  From childhood through his entire adult life, that was one of his favorite destinations.   He also always enjoyed his time at the beach or anywhere outside on a beautiful sunny day to feel the sunshine and warmth on his face often while listening to his favorite music, Jimmy Buffet, the Eagles or Jackson Browne. 

Nelson will be mostly remembered for his kindness and unwavering love for his family.  He also had a great sense of humor and was often more concerned with the needs of others even in his most vulnerable times.  Nelson leaves behind a legacy of compassion and strength that will live on in all who knew him and has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by Nelson.   We ask that you remember Nelson not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.