Obituary of Frank J. Marolda Jr.

Frank Joseph Marolda Jr., born October 12, 1947 of Buena Borough, lost his battle to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Inspira Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He is now reunited with his hardworking and dedicated parents Frank and Nancy. Frank held great pride in his many life achievements. He was an alumni of St. Augustine Prep where he pitched the first winning NJSIAA championship (1964) in school history. He served in the US Army National Guard for 6 years. Frank was a member of the Buena Youth Athletics for about 20 years. He was a member of local unions 322 and IUO&E 68 for 30 years. Frank was very proud of his professional life. His accomplished work career, beginning as a basic plumber resulted as a superintendent of the largest mechanical contractor (Falasca Mechanical) in the state of NJ. The legacy that Frank eaves behind is especially visible through the devotion of his wife, children and grandchildren. An admirable quality that Frank carried through his life was how self-sacrificing he was towards his loved ones. This became even more prevalent after his diagnosis with ALS. Frank remained positive and only thought of the impact the disease would have on those around him. Left behind is his forever faithful wife of 44 years, Claire (Colon) whom he shared many unforgettable lifelong events with. Also, his four children, Frank III, Michael (Christine), Jeffrey (Emily), and Michelle Pitts (Steven), his grandchildren Rebecca, Jordan, Katelynn, Alana, Luca, Sophia, Avery and Madison, his sister Sandra Lewis (Louie), brothers Joseph and Richard (Sherry), his brothers-in law Gus Colon (Carmella), Joseph Bauer, Robert Colon (Nancy), sister-in-law Mary Freeman (Paul) and their families as well as many other relatives and friends including Brian (Ellen) Fatcher who Frank loved as a brother. Frank also leaves behind his faithful furry four-legged friend Kodi. From the moment Frank was diagnosed with ALS, he became an immediate advocate for the research and fight against ALS and finding an ultimate cure for those afflicted with the disease in the future. To continue "Fighting For Frank," in lieu of flowers, please make checks payable to "Fighting For Frank-ALS" c/o Jeffrey Marolda 127 Central Avenue Minotola, NJ 08341. All donations will be made in memory of Frank. Frank final request, "No crying, just good memories"!