Roberta Frank
1933 – 2026
Roberta Frank passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at her home in Pennington NJ at the age of 93. She was an accomplished educator and community leader.
Born on March 6,1933 at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank NJ to Morris and Alva Nelson, Roberta was a 1950 graduate of Red Bank High School where she won her high school Oratorical Contest and placed second in the Monmouth County competition. She graduated from Trenton State College as an Elementary Education Major, class of ’54.
Bobbie began her teaching career in Pacoima CA, then returned to New Jersey, teaching in Hamilton and Ewing Township school districts, most notably at Antheil Middle School, The Hun School of Princeton, where she taught ESL to international students, then finishing her long career at Lore Elementary School.
Through the years Bobbie had many firsts. In 1946, she was the first female ever to be Bat Mitzvahed at Congregation B’Nai Israel. She served as President of her college sorority, where she was the first to integrate the organization, and was among the first female teachers to continue teaching while pregnant in her NJ school system. Bobbie was also the first woman to carry the Torah on Kol Nidre at Har Sinai Temple.
Bobbie was very dedicated to Har Sinai Temple in Trenton NJ where she taught Religious School for 30 years, served as Sisterhood President, was on the Board of Directors for 25 years and sang in the choir. Bobbie served as Jewish Federation Women’s Division VP of Fund Raising, 20 years on both the Ewing Jewish Community Center Board of Directors and Greenwood house where she was Women’s Auxiliary President and gift shop manager.
Roberta was an avid gardener, golfer and tennis player. She was mentally sharp throughout her entire life and continued to enjoy playing Bridge and Mahjong in her community.
Roberta is predeceased by her parents Morris and Alva Nelson, Sister Marilyn Russell and her loving husband of 66 years, Dr. Arthur Frank. She is survived by her Sister Gail Dante, her sons, Mitchell Frank, Bruce Frank (Kimberly), and Greg Frank (Robin), and her 9 grandchildren: David Frank (Melanie Mayerson), Matthew Frank (Julia Szabla), Benjamin Frank (Anna), Andrea Frank (Valentin Robert), Robert Frank, Leah Frank, Hannah Frank (Logan McBride), Alison Frank (John Edenhofner) and Natalie Hewitt-Frank (Lexi) and great grandson Adrian.
Funeral services are Sunday, April 19 at 10 am at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 9:15 am until 9:50 am. The funeral service will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Ewing Cemetery, 78 Scotch Rd. Ewing NJ in the Har Sinai Temple Section.
Memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood House (GreenwoodHouse.org), Congregation Kol Emet (KolEmet.org), and The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (T.A.S.K.) (TrentonSoupKitchen.org)
Shiva will be observed at the Frank residence in Pennington following the graveside service until 5pm and on Monday beginning at 7pm with a minyan at 7:30pm.
My very special friend and neighbor for more than 60 years. Her sudden passing was a shock. I will miss her so much as will so many others. An unbelievable accomplished woman in so many ways.
florance weisberg