Obituary of Franklin Van Dusen

Frank L. Van Dusen, 73, of Howell, died Sunday, Sept. 28, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, after a courageous battle with cancer and with his family by his side. Mr. Van Dusen was born in Long Branch and had lived in Hazlet before moving to Howell 50 years ago. He was a linesman/electrician for IBEW Local 400, Wall, for over 50 years, retiring in 1993. Mr. Van Dusen was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a past master of the Free & Accepted Masons, Ocean Lodge 89, Spring Lake Heights. Mr. Van Dusen was a past patron and currently Sentinel of the Order of the Eastern Star 214, Ocean Township. He was also a Sentinel for the Order of the Eastern Star, Sirius 123, Matawan. He was a former president and business agent for the IBEW, Local 400, Wall. He was also a member of the Farmingdale/Howell American Legion.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Gifford Paul Van Dusen and Robert "Robbie" Van Dusen; and a sister, Patricia Ward. Surviving are his wife, Elsie P. Van Dusen; two daughters and sons-in-law, Suzanne and Parke Blankenship of Gold Canyon, Ariz., and Diane and Gregory Kavanagh of Brick; a brother, Allen Van Dusen of Jackson; a sister, Ann Harmon of South Hampton, Long Island, N.Y.; five grandchildren ;several nieces and nephews; and his cat, "Lucky."

Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Star Home, 111 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. For directions, information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.