Francis Bernard Prato, Jr.

Frank Prato, 70, of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, formerly of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, Retired from the Hamilton Township Police Department, a husband, a father, and a friend to anyone who knew him, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2023 from complications of leukemia.

Frank was a big man, with a big heart who had a love of adventure and travel that he would tell you he gained during his time as a United States Marine.  He became an avid wildlife photographer and loved the outdoors. 

He also had a great sense of humor and would easily laugh at his own foibles.  He told a story of his hiking with friends on an Alaskan glacier when because of his great weight an ice shelf collapsed beneath him and caused him to fall into a glacial abyss.  He added that it was only due to his immense belly and his overstocked backpack that he became wedged at the top of the crevasse so he could eventually be extricated.  

After the Marine Corps Frank joined the Police Department where he had an impressive service record.  When an outbreak of illegal dumping occurred in Hamilton Township, he formulated a plan that included camouflage and stealth photography which not only ensured the swift apprehension and prosecution of violators, but also virtually eliminated illegal dumping throughout the Township.  His expertise was soon in great demand throughout neighboring municipalities where he was invited to share his ingenuity, training fellow officers.

Soon afterward, he was picked to head up the Division’s “Neighborhood Watch” program where once again his dedication and ideas helped reduce the occurrence of criminal activity throughout Hamilton Township communities and led to his promotion to the rank of Detective.

Frank leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Patricia, two sons, Justin and Christopher and their wives Christina and Marion.

Goodbye Frank.  I’m thinking that May 5 will be a sad day from here on.  But then I remember Frank and I remember May 5, Cinco de Mayo, is a day of celebration and if Frank were here, he would say, “Go out and celebrate.  Life is for the living!  Go to the Causeway Inn on LBI and have some cheesecake”, one of Frank’s favorite past-times.  Hey Gabbazeek, I’m on my way…..

This obituary was written by Frank’s good friend, Jesse Thatcher.  Thanks Jesse!

Frank will be sadly missed by his family, brothers & sisters in-law, his many friends, and all of his nieces and nephews will miss their Uncle Frank.  Frank will forever remain in our hearts. 

Funeral Services are under the direction of Karl Horan with Blackwell Memorial Home.  21 No. Main St. Pennington, NJ.  08534

Visitation will be at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church on South Olden Ave. from 8:30-11:00, followed by Mass.  Frank will be laid to rest at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in North Hanover immediately following Mass.  All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Frank’s honor to the PBA local 66 / Hamilton Township Police.