Frank Naklicki

Frank Naklicki, age 93, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 19, 2024, surrounded by the love of his wife, Theresa, and his children. He fought a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 6, 1930, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Frank was the beloved son of Frank and Wanda (Sableski) Naklicki. Alongside his younger brother Joseph (Las Vegas, NV),  he grew up in  a close-knit, predominantly Polish community, spending his childhood playing stickball and CYO basketball for St. Alphonsus church. Frank attended Brooklyn Technical High School before graduating from Long Island City High School.

On his 22nd birthday, Frank found himself stepping onto the shores of South Korea as a proud Marine. His two years of loyal service to his country were marked by honor and sacrifice, as he embodied the Semper Fi spirit. After returning home, Frank began college, earning an associate’s degree and later studying at NYU under the GI Bill. Around this time, he also became a dedicated member of the St. Elias Catholic War Veterans Post in Greenpoint.

In 1957, Frank met the love of his life, Terry, on a blind date. He was instantly captivated, and, when she presented him with a birthday cake, his heart was forever won. The couple wed on June 6, 1959, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This year, they celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Frank’s professional journey began at Arthur Schroeder Paper Company in New York City, where he where he excelled in sales. His career flourished and he later joined Lowe Paper Company in Ridgefield, New Jersey. In 1984, Frank began his dream job, working with Georgia Pacific, a renowned pulp and paper company based in Atlanta. After a successful career spanning 45 years in an industry he loved, Frank retired in 1996.

In 1964, Frank and Terry moved to Wayne, where they raised their growing family. Their two daughters, Linda and Carolyn, were soon joined by three sons, Paul, Kevin, and James. Frank’s deep faith and commitment to community were evident in his involvement at Our Lady of the Valley  Church. As a dedicated member of the Holy Name Society, he served meals with joy at Eva’s Kitchen and contributed to many charitable efforts. Frank also served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph’s Hospital and was a regular attendee of mass and discussions at the Xaverian Missionary House in Wayne.

A man of many passions, Frank was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 for over 50 years. He was an avid bowler on the OLV Friday night league at T-Bowl. Athletic since his early years, Frank found joy in staying active into his 90s, whether running and weightlifting at the gym or playing golf at the Passaic County course. Known for his warmth, humor, and gregarious spirit, Frank formed lasting friendships wherever life took him.

Frank leaves behind his devoted wife Terry, his cherished children: Linda and her husband Seth, Carolyn and her husband Allan, sons Paul and James and his wife Jennifer. He was the proud grandfather of Olivia, McKenna, Tristan, Dylan, Kate, Leo and Emily, as well as the loving great-grandfather of Ruby. His son Kevin predeceased him in 2005, a loss Frank bore with quiet strength.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Xaverian Missionaries, 12 Helene Court, Wayne, New Jersey, 07470 or to the charity of your choice.