Frank L. Kramer Jr., 89, a lifelong Lambertville, N.J., resident, businessman and dedicated Lambertville Fire Department member and community safety official, died on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the Rolling Hills Healthcare Center in Lebanon, N.J. A devoted Phillies fan, Frank passed away while watching Thursday’s game.
Frank graduated from Lambertville High School in 1951. He served with the U.S. National Guard which led to a career at the U.S. Department of Defense Naval Air Propulsion Center in Trenton. He studied drinking water safety and treatment with Rutgers University and the NJ Department of the Environment and worked with United Water Co. in Lambertville in water quality testing and control. In 2004 Frank was appointed assistant sergeant-at arms of the New Jersey State Senate in Trenton. Frank also owned and operated Harry K. Kramer and Sons Memorials in Lambertville, a business established by Frank’s grandfather in 1897.
In 1951 Frank joined the Fleetwing Hook and Ladder Co. #3 of the Lambertville Fire Department, becoming the third generation after his grandfather, Harry and his father, Frank Sr. to serve with the Lambertville Fire Department. This was the start of a lifelong dedication to the department and to the safety of the citizens of Lambertville. In his years of service Frank held positions as deputy chief, department chief and department safety officer. He also served as lieutenant and captain in the Fleetwing Company. Frank was a commissioner and president of the Lambertville Fire Commission and was an officer with the Lambertville Office of Emergency Management. He was a member of the Hunterdon County Fire Chief’s Association and was a life member of the NJ Fireman’s Relief Association where he also served as secretary for 45 years.
Frank was a sports fan and faithfully cheered for the Phillies, Eagles and 76ers. He and his wife, Sue, loved vacationing in Wildwood and always stayed at the Brittany Motel where they had many friends. Frank was an avid railroader, collected Lionel trains and proudly set up his extensive display each Christmas. He was a member and business manager of the Lambertville Drum and Bugle Corps, served on Lambertville City Council, was a member of the Amwell Masonic Lodge 12 and the Lambertville-New Hope Rotary Club.
Frank left this earth to be with the love of his life, the late Sue Winans Kramer. He was the son of the late Frank L. Kramer Sr. and Edith Strouse Kramer. He is survived by his three sons and their families, Frank L. Kramer III and his wife Tina Serra of Ringoes, N.J.; James Tedesco and his wife Marilyn and their daughters Faith and Michelle of Philadelphia, and Scott Tedesco of Clinton, N.J. Frank was particularly proud of his son Frank’s continuing a four-generation family tradition of fire safety service in Lambertville. Frank is also survived by his cousin George Fluck and his wife Leona of Robbinsville, N.J., and a cherished family friend Lynn Antheil in Florida. Frank and Sue were animal lovers and made a home for many cats and dogs, the last being Frank’s beloved kitty Roxy, a stray they found on a visit to Wildwood.
Funeral services will be private. Life celebration and fireman services will be announced for a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lambertville New Hope Rescue Squad, Box 237, Lambertville, NJ 08530 or to the Union Fire Company Ahrens Fox Museum, 230 N. Main St., Lambertville, NJ 08530.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York St., Lambertville, NJ 08530 (vhmfh.com).
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