BRICK: Brick Township’s beloved toy maker Frank Spital has passed away at the age of 101. Frank was a special gift to the community of Brick. On his 100th birthday nearly 1,000 people came out to have a parade for the WWII veteran.
Frank was born on September 1, 1922, to Anna (nee Kylyschym) and Thomas Spital in Hillside, NJ.
He is the remaining child of 8, predeceased by his siblings – sisters, Mary, Kate, Fanny, Eva & Anna and brothers John & Nicholas.
While at Hillside High School, Frank excelled in football and track & field, earning him the distinction of “Most Athletic”. He would often retell the story of the infamous “Nutley” game when he recovered a fumble and scored a touchdown that sent Hillside High School to the state finals.
After high school, Frank was hired by Bristol Myers in Hillside, NJ. While there, he was drafted into the US Army to serve in World War II.
As a member of the Greatest Generation, he was part of the 100th Infantry and served in Germany and then Bitche, France where his detail was known as the “Sons of Bitche”.
Upon his honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant, he returned to the States and went back to his job at Bristol Myers.
While there, he met the love of his life, Barbara (Bobbie) Louise Kisner. The two were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1959. Soon came a daughter, Leslie Jayne (Riccie) and a son, Thomas Sherman Spital.
He 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.
Frank was a member of the Kenilworth VFW and the Hillside Italian American Club. 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”.
After over 40 years as a machinist, Frank retired to embark on a robust retirement of travel 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 didn’t sell pieces, he gave a large amount away to friends, relatives, and total strangers.
Frank’s goal was to reach 100 years of age. When he became a centenarian, the township of Brick honored him with a parade that included over 1000 classic cars, motorcycles, and birthday well-wishers.
Frank was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Barbara who passed in 2018. He 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 will be held at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07033 on Saturday October 28, 2023 from 2-6pm.
Frank Spital raising the flag on Normandy Beach’s Annual 4th of July Celebration.
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