Frank M. Michalik's Obituary
Frank M. Michalik, born April 10, 1945 originally from Clifton, NJ, resided in Wayne, NJ for 26 years before moving to Egg Harbor Township, NJ where he spent 15 years. Recently he has been residing in Odessa, FL. Frank passed away on March 30, 2023 [surrounded by his loving family] at the age of 77.
Frank graduated Clifton High School in 1963 and attended Edward Williams College and Fairleigh Dickenson University. Frank is survived by his wife, Lek, of 50+ years; his daughter, Jennifer Michalik Matier, his son-in-law, Brian Matier, his three adorable grandchildren, Chloe (age 11), Mia (age 9) and Matthew (age 8) his “big boy”. Also surviving are his sisters, Florence Michalik DePol and her two children, Kathleen DePol Gagg and Rick DePol, Kathleen’s husband, Mike Gagg, their three children, Brianne, Bryan and Brooke; and Deborah Michalik and her partner, Tom Clark.
Frank served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot serving two tours in Vietnam where he was decorated with numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star – 45 Air Medals. Frank subsequently served in the NJ National Guard.
Frank worked for an international corporation for 33 years as Chief Pilot and Director of Aviation.
At age 60, Frank and his wife, Lek, built and operated a popular authentic Thai restaurant in South Jersey for ten years prior to his retirement in 2017.
Frank was born in Passaic, NJ and grew up in Clifton, NJ. In 1970, he and Valeerat Tubtimted, known to everyone as Lek, married on August 22, 1970.
Frank will be remembered for playing a huge role in the lives of many family and friends helping them to learn, grow and improve their lives. His dry, witty, sarcastic sense of humor will be missed as will his generosity and love.
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?