Obituary of Frank Curtis

Frank Curtis, age 93, of Union Twp., NJ died Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp., NJ. Mr. Curtis was born November 3, 1917 in the Bronx, NY. He was the son of the late John and the late Susanna (Bayus) Kertes. Frank grew up on a farm on Farley Avenue in Scotch Plains, NJ and attended schools there. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940 right after he married Betty Weisbecker Wilmot, December 21, 1940. They had 2 children, Jacqueline Curtis Burachynski of Pittstown (Union Twp.), NJ and David Curtis & his wife, Ilma of Glen Gardner, NJ. He was an avid inventor, during WWII he invented the spring antenna and the portable battery operated starter for airplanes while stationed at Mitchell Field on Long Island. Truly a "jack of all trades". He had his own heating business during the 1950's - 60's while living in Plainfield and South Plainfield. He was active in the South Plainfield Lions Club and did many fund raisers by giving rides on his infamous "ice sled" on Spring Lake. He retired from the maintenance department at Rutgers University in 1980. Upon retiring he and Betty moved to Matamoras, Pa. to his log cabin on the Delaware where he loved to fish, feed bears, run the cable car down to the river and chat with all of his friends and neighbors. He is also survived by his 4 beloved grandchildren; Kim Burachynski of Warwick, NY, Bob Burachynski of Nazareth, Pa., Andy Burachynski & his wife, Melissa of Calabash, NC and Tina Burachynski of Annandale, NJ. Also 5 cherished great grandchildren; Bobby Burachynski of Washington, NJ, Natalie Gordon of Stroudsburg, Pa., Matt McKown of Annandale, NJ and Morgan & Andrew Burachynski of Calabash, NC and numerous nieces & nephews. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Betty in 2000, his 3 older brothers; John, Albert & Louis and his sister, Lillian Kertes Gurge. The Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 23rd from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ. There will be a funeral service at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 24th also at the Funeral Home.