FRANK J. SEELEY, Sr, Age 82, died on Sunday evening Sept. 5, 2004 during the height of hurricane Frances in his apartment in Hypoluxo, FL. Frank was born February 12, 1922 in Syracuse, NY and while an infant moved with his family, grew up and graduated high school in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Frank entered the U.S. Army on October 27, 1943. On D-day he landed on Normandy Beach, France during World War II under the leadership of General Omar Bradley. Shortly later he was transferred to General Patton's 90th Div, 3rd Army, Company I, 359th Infantry that moved through France until battle wounds ended his army career at St. Lo, France. While fighting through France Frank earned and was awarded 1 Bronze Star for gallantry, 1 Purple Heart and 1 Combat Infantry Medal. Upon recuperation from his wounds, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on Nov 29, 1944.
In 1945 Frank founded Al Walker Recreational Vehicle Sales originally in Ledgewood, NJ where he served as President for over 40 years. During his active life, Frank served on many municipal and NJ sate committees including President of the Planning Board of Mount Arlington, NJ. He was an active member of the NJ Motor vehicle Dealers Assoc. serving three terms as President and Director of the National Dealer Assoc. for two years. Frank was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 245, Lake Hopactcong, NJ and one of the original founding members and officer of Lake Hopactcong Elks Lodge # 2109, BPOE in Mount Arlington, NJ. Frank served as Exalted Ruler of this Lodge 1964-65. He was appointed to the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, serving as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of N.W. District of New Jersey. Frank was also very active in Florida during his adult life he was one of the founding and organizing committee members transferring ownership of Briny Breezes Trailer Park from the Miller family to form a cooperative corporation October 9, 1958. Briny Breezes was soon to become a township in Palm Beach County, Fla. He was President of Coastal Towers Condo Assn. in Boynton Beach for three years, until he moved with his wife to the Halfmoon Bay Community in Hypoluxo, FL, serving as President of Phase I and Phase II Condo Bldg Assn. for seven years until recently retiring. In his quiet time Frank served as the S.E. coast Delegate for Florida Shuffleboard Assn. in 1980 and as Director on the Board of Directors of Boynton Beach Shuffleboard Club from 1990-1997. Frank survived open heart bypass surgery during December 2003 and January 2004 and was home recuperating when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in August 2004.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Aida C. Seeley; a sister, Gladys Woolf of Boynton Beach; a son, Frank J. Seeley, Jr. of Blairstown, NJ; a daughter Lynn A. Thomas of Deland, FL; and five grandchildren. He left a legacy of good works, helping many others to improve their quality of life. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
Public visitation is Friday (TODAY), September 10, 2004 from 2 PM – 6 PM at Babione-Stephenson Funeral Home, 1004 S. Dixie Hwy., Lantana, FL 33462; (561) 582-4124. Mass of Christian Burial will be September 11, 2004, 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1000 Lantana Rd., Lantana, FL. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Boynton Beach Fire & Rescue; Lantana Police Dept.; American Cancer Society; or the charity of your choice in the name of Frank J. Seeley, Sr. Babione-Stephenson Funeral Home 1004 S. Federal Highway Lantana, FL 33462 (561) 582-4124
Published in The Palm Beach Post on 9/10/2004.
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