Merle Franke, Sea Bright Fire Department Member, Dies At 78

Courtesy of Fiore Funeral Homes

Merle Franke, 78, of Eatontown died Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.

He was born in Baltimore, and lived in Keansburg, Highlands and Sea Bright before moving to Eatontown 12 years ago.

He was a member of the Sea Bright Methodist Church and the Sea Bright Fire Department. He was a member and a former shop steward of the Transit Union Local #891. Merle retired from NJ Transit after many years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Anna Walnock-Franke and his parents, Charles and Elsie Franke. Surviving are his wife, Patricia; children, Anna and her husband George Nicholl of Eatontown, Christine Franke of Sea Bright, Charles Franke of California and Michael Franke of Eatontown, stepson, Shaun Nutile of Highlands; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 5-8 pm Wednesday at the Fiore Funeral Home, 882 Broadway, West Long Branch. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.