Frank Kaler Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18th, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 91.

Frank was born on August 12th, 1928 to parents Frank & Lena Kaler in New York City. He grew up in Franklin, New Jersey and went to college at Rider University where he studied journalism. While at Rider University, Frank wrote many spirited articles on topics of the day and campus life. After graduating, he worked as a reporter and a journalist. Soon after, he was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War where he served as a corporal and specialist in small arms. Years later, he followed in the family trade and started his own painting contracting business. In 1953 he met Rita Douglas and they were married in 1954. Together they raised four children in South Brunswick.

Frank was an avid fisherman, long distance runner, and poet. For years, Frank was passionate about bringing awareness to the water pollution problem that poisoned their well water. He was an activist who sought to bring justice to those affected by the pollution; driving the production of, “In Our Water”, an Academy Award nominated documentary film directed and produced by Meg Switzgable. He is described by loved ones as intelligent, a vivid story teller, tactful, persistent, articulate, sharp witted, and an amazing teller of the funniest jokes.

Frank Kaler Sr. is predeceased by his siblings; Ann Kaler, Elsie Feller, Gertrude Headstrom, Alfred Slobuski, and Shirley Paxton. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Rita Douglas Kaler of 66 years and 5 months, who he often characterized as, “his angel”. Frank will be remembered as the beloved patriarch of his family, survived by daughter Ann Zullo and husband Joseph, son Frank and wife Tanya, son David and wife Sherrie. Daughter Lisa Kaler, grandchildren Sarah, Erin, Jesse, and Emily, and great grandson Frank. He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.

There was a closed service with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's name can be made to the below foundations in which were meaningful to him. 

Rutgers Law Clinic -  Click here to donate to Rutgers Law Clinic

Veterans Administration - Click here to donate to the Veterans Administration


"I reached for a moonbeam one summery night & that moonbeam danced shyly out of my sight taking with it and stealing from me the thrill of holding that moonbeam on my knee. So I acted as if I were only bored that moonbeam came back on its own accord"      - Frank Kaler Sr.