Obituary of Francis X. Spath

Francis X. “Frank” Spath of Mt. Arlington peacefully passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023 at home, with his loving wife by his side.  

He was 81 years old.

Born in Bayonne on November 18, 1941 to the late Arthur W. and the late Rachel (Cozine) Spath, the last of 6 children.  He lived in Bayonne until 2005 when he moved to Mt. Arlington. Frank, following his discharge from the Army in 1966 married the love of his life, Elaine (nee Schmicking).  Frank and Elaine went on to have 3 children Frank Jr, Karrie Anne and Melanie. Frank and Elaine were married for 57 years.   

Prior to his retirement, Frank was a heavy-duty mechanic with numerous organizations.  Frank then became a truck driver in 1992 and worked for many years as an owner operator until he took a job driving for Toys-R-Us in Flanders. While in retirement Frank was a devoted grandfather taking care of his grandson Gunnar rather than having him attend day-care.  

An Army veteran, he was an all-around handyman who enjoyed computers and anything to do with cars.  Frank could fix anything.  Frank was a a gentle bear of a man. Beloved by everyone he met. He was a man full of smiles and jokes.  He was known for his quirky responses to questions that always made folks smile.  Frank adored his family, and was an amazing grandfather. Frank loved to travel anywhere and loved taking pictures and videos of his and Elaine’s adventures and of his grandchildren.   Frank was always the life of the party, whether it be dancing or playing with the kids in the pool.  Frank, although gentle had a handshake that could bring any man to his knees.  

Frank is survived by his wife Elaine, his son Francis (Frank) X. Spath Jr, his wife Kirsten Rogers, his daughter Karrie Anne and her husband Brian, his daughter  Melanie and her husband Kenneth Petrovcik. Frank is also survived by his grandchildren Zachary Spath, Dakota Spath, Jake Petrovcik, Gunnar Hilsinger, Regan Spath and Raylan Spath.  Frank is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews across the country.  

Cremation arrangements are private.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorpoject.org).