Obituary of Francis J. Publik

Frank Publik, Korean War Veteran awarded the Silver Star, passed away on May 2, 2018, after a lengthy illness at the NJ Veterans Home in Menlo Park. Visitation will be at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals in South Plainfield on Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 2 - 5 p.m. Private burial will be at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway, NJ on May 7, 2018. Born in Scranton, PA, with nine siblings, the son of a coal miner, Frank moved to Newark, NJ to live with his beloved wife Helen, and began his career as a Newark fireman at Engine 10. He later became Newark Fire Captain at Engine 19. Soon after, they moved to South Plainfield where they raised their three children: Joseph, Robert and Judy. While in South Plainfield, Frank enjoyed being an active member of the American Legion Post 243. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow. Frank moved with his wife to Edison, NJ and eventually to Toms River where he liked playing golf, going to American Legion Conventions in Wildwood, and enjoying many cruises with his wife. He also continued to be an active member of the American Legion in Lakewood where he became Commander. His family is very proud of his service to this country, serving in the Korean War as a sergeant, and receiving the Silver Star and Three Bronze Medals for bravery. Frank had a deep love for this country, was very patriotic, and spent his life helping others whenever he could. Frank leaves behind his loving wife Helen (Franklin) of sixty-five years, children; Joseph (Maria), Robert (Patricia) and Judy Adams (Michael), ; nine grandchildren; Brian, Gregory, Jessica, Amberlee and soon to be new granddaughter; Jeffrey, Ryan, Tyler ,Nicole, Shana and one great grandchild, Riley Marie. Frank will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank Whispering Knolls Assisted Living in Edison, NJ and the NJ Veterans Home Menlo Park, where he received loving care for several years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the South Plainfield Fire Department.