Francis M Bolger

Francis Michael "Frank" Bolger, 71, of Roseland, died Wednesday at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston after a brief illness.

Born in Newark, he lived in South Orange for many years before moving to Roseland in 2000. He attended Our Lady of Sorrows grammar school, Seton Hall Preparatory School and Seton Hall University before transferring to Kean University, where he majored in history.

He was employed as a newspaper reporter for the West Orange Chronicle, the Herald-News and the Brick Town News in the late 1970s and 1980s, and he later managed the Bogart and Hansen electrical and lighting store in Montclair for more than 30 years.

Frank's most recent career was undeniably his favorite: serving as a school crossing guard first in South Orange and later in West Caldwell. Known and beloved as "Mr. Frank," the dancing crossing guard, he drew widespread community and media attention for his dance moves, eye-catching hat collection and friendly waves to all the passersby.

He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in West Orange, where he served as an usher, and an avid walker often seen strolling through the wooded area of Essex Fells known as Trotter Tract. He was a fervent Yankees and Giants fan, as well as a classic TV, film and Civil War buff. His favorite vacations were those spent with family and close friends, including many years of Saratoga weekends with the guys to bet on the ponies.

Frank is survived by a sister, Loretta Bolger Wish (Fred) of Manasquan, brothers Chris (Ruth) of Roseland and Mike (Cathy) of West Caldwell and dear friends Charley and Mary Tivenan, Mary Albright, Bruce Mills and the Andrew and Pace families. He was predeceased by his parents, William P. Bolger and Mary Judge Bolger, and his brother, Daniel Bolger. He was Uncle Frank to Alan and Cyndi Wish; Laura Bolger Rothe; Erin, Katie, Christopher, Brian and Thomas Bolger; and Moire, Sean, Liam and Michala Tivenan; and great-uncle to Ari, Vanessa and Luke Wish, and Tristan Rothe.

A viewing will be held at Farmer Funeral Hone, Roseland, on Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm .A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, West Orange, Wednesday at 11 am. Condolences and memories may be shared at farmerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Caldwell PBA or to the newly created Jefferson Elementary School Home and School Association initiative, Mr. Frank's Closet. This fund has been established in his memory to provide clothing, school supplies and other necessities to the students Frank cared for so deeply. For more information, please contact jeffersonhsacwc@gmail.com or donate directly through this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-mr-frank-bolger