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Franklin J. Hicinbothem
1953 - 2022
Franklin J. Hicinbothem
1953 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2022
Franklin Hicinbothem Obituary
Franklin J. Hicinbothem, 69, of Allentown, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022 at his home. Born in Hoboken, Franklin worked as an aircraft mechanic and owned several businesses including Free Flight Aviation. He held his A&P and IA Aviation Maintenance certificates, several Pilot certificates, and his red seal boiler’s license.
Franklin loved flying airplanes and skydiving, having accomplished over 500 jumps and flying small aircraft for over 20 years. He was a talented mechanic and enjoyed everything mechanical, especially restoring his aircraft, BMW’s and Ducati Motorcycles.
Son of the late George and Antoinette Hicinbothem, Franklin is survived by his wife of 37 years, Barbara L. Foster; his sister, Diane Hicinbothem Sanders, and his brother, George Hicinbothem.
A service to celebrate Franklin’s life will be held at the Flying W Airport and Resort (http://www.flyingwairport.com) in Medford NJ on Saturday May 21 from 2 pm - 7 pm.
Donations requests in Frank's remembrance will be for an Aviation Scholarship in Frank's name, yet to be setup and for support of the local Teen Aviation of NJ build a plane group (https:www.teenAviationNJ.com - SUPPORT TANJ) based at the Flying W Airport and Resort. Donations are also welcome in his name of any Aviation Group you may want to support.
22 Entries
Tom Shields
May 25, 2022
The world of aviation is that much brighter for having had Frank. His passion and sense of humor were inspiring and infectious. He gave me my first opportunities as a pilot, and I can honestly say that some of the best days of my life were spent there in that little world he created. I’m sure it is the same for everybody, but I can’t help but smile when I think of him. Likely because my mental image is always his full throated laughter! Love for you Barbara, and the Freeflight family, and the world of aviation that will miss him.
Bobby Drapala
May 22, 2022
I knew Frank throughout most of my FAA Career at the Philly FSDO and after I retired....we always kidded around about me being a Fed ....After hours I would stop to visit Frank and he would shout out.."OH OH , The FAA s here @#^?!.. I would shout,... I'm off Duty, lets have a beer..! We would sit around and just talk about what ever. Frank really enjoyed talking about how he and Barbara met back when and their adventures jumping out of perfectly good running aircraft .. He had wonderful memories of his life with Barbara...Barbara is a lucky women, and Frank a lucky man... Christy and I offer our sincere Condolences... Frank will truly be missed
Tony and Eileen Abatto
May 21, 2022
Deepest sympathy to Barbara and family. Rest In Peace, neighbor. Will miss seeing you in the yard.
Richard Jones
May 20, 2022
Thanks for keeping Freeflight Aviation running, providing student pilots, young and young at heart, the opportunity to experience flight.
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Dundee Davidson
May 20, 2022
Dear Barbara, my deepest condolences to you and the family. I considered Frank a friend. We had common interest in aviation and automobiles - especially BMWs. I will miss him and his laughter. Fair winds and blue skies.
CJ Stumpf
May 19, 2022
Dear Barbara and Flying W community, my deepest condolences. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Frank at dinner at Beckett’s, and am so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a source of light and love of aviation.
Jan Greenberg
May 11, 2022
Barbara,
My condolences & love to you on Franklin J.'s passing. He was one of my favorite people in aviation. Hanger time with Frank was always enjoyable & entertaining. I had the pleasure of sharing many flights with Frank & our annual dinners at Becket's in Oshkosh were a highlight. May he only know blue skies & tailwinds.
Sina & Bernadette Adibi
May 11, 2022
Dearest Barbara, just heard the sad news of Frank's passing. Please accept our condolences. Although, we are no longer "locals" we kept up with all the going on at the 'W' and Freeflight in particular. After all, both you and Frank were such a big part of my life as I went through my training. please keep up the good work and keep his legacy alive. Praying for you.
Brian Hilburn
May 11, 2022
I vividly remember first meeting Frank. Years ago, after living abroad for 16 years, I was offered a job stateside. Before accepting the job, one requirement I had was to find a great small airport. On a pre-move visit I stumbled upon the Flying W, and met Frank. Only then did I decide to repatriate. Sadly, I never told him this story.
So blue skies and tailwinds, dear friend. I will always remember your beaming smile, acerbic wit, keen intellect, and generosity of spirit. You will always be a shining example of how one person's life can touch so many others, and make the world a better place.
Tom Tonden
May 11, 2022
Barbara,
My deepest condolences to you. Frank was an important part of my aviation adventure in his support of my aircraft ownership and conversation at "the hangar". I will miss him.
Sherif Sirageldin
May 4, 2022
I will miss Frank. His love for life was inspiring in so many ways - aviation, motorcycling, racing, sky diving, camping, exploring cool places, hangar sunsets with hangar-made sandwiches (and a beer) the list goes on. This life will have much less color without him.
My heart goes out to you, Barbara.
Sherif Sirageldin
May 4, 2022
Sherif Sirageldin
May 4, 2022
Sherif Sirageldin
May 4, 2022
I will miss Frank. His love for life was inspiring and showed in so many ways - aviation, motorcycling, racing, sky diving, camping, exploring cool places, hangar sunsets with hangar-made sandwiches (and a beer) the list goes on. This life will have much less color without him.
My heart goes out to you, Barbara.
Tom Di Biaso
May 2, 2022
Barbara – My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to you and the family. May Frank rest in peace. I know he will always be with us in spirit. He was a great soul and always had a great story and was always willing to impart his knowledge and wisdom to all. He was a great asset to our aviation community and made a tremedous contribution to Aviation and beyond. He will be sorely missed by all! God Bless and please know we are all here for you as you go through this very difficult time. Tom
Allan Kerr
May 2, 2022
Barb, My heartfelt condolences. I knew Frank, only through the stories that you had shared over the years. Our thoughts go out to you, the family, and also to your extended family in aviation.
Joe Mohnacs
May 1, 2022
Barb. Best wishes as you go through this difficult time. Frank was a great guy. He was generous with his time and always willing to pass on his knowledge. I enjoyed all the times I spent with him in his hanger shooting the breeze while drinking a cold one. He will be missed by many.
Emily Hines
May 1, 2022
Barbara, I'm so sorry for your loss. Frank was a huge part of the atmosphere at Freeflight and his crazy stories of 'near-misses' both with skydiving and flying shall never be forgotten. His laugh was infectious, his 'larger-than-life' personality shall be his legacy. A true legend. With my deepest condolences to you and the whole Freeflight family, Emily.
Edwin Wargo
May 1, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss, Barbara. Frank was instrumental in getting my pilot's license at Freeflight. He was always very kind with his time and sharing his immense knowledge. It was always a treat to see him in the office or hangar. I was even lucky to fly in his plane a couple of times. My sincerest condolences!
Ron and Frances Lynch
May 1, 2022
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy.
Mark Geschelin
April 30, 2022
I learned to fly at Free flight. Frank was always there with an anecdote or teaching. Especially about the art of listening to the engine and the care of the plane. He was a great teacher and will be sorely missed. My condolences to Barbara and the entire Free Flight family.
Michael Troup
April 29, 2022
So very sorry for you loss! God bless you and you family
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