Frank Bottone

Frank Bottone died on November 9, 2017 in the hospice unit of St. Barnabas hospital, following a massive stroke. Born on the family farm in Livingston, he resided in Livingston his entire life. Frank graduated from Grover Cleveland High School, Caldwell, N.J. in 1949, attended the University of Maryland until a football injury sent him home and into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He finished his college degree at Panzer College (now part of Montclair State University), later earning two Master’s degrees at which point he said he was about as smart as he was going to get.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Patsy and Carmela Bottone, his six siblings and his son Frank, Jr. He is survived by his wife Betsy (Goodwin); his daughter Lynda (Ron) Pepe of Andover, N.J.; his four grandchildren: Christie (Dan) Jago of Morris Plains, N.J.; Ryan (Ashley) Pepe of Sparta, N.J.; Matt Pepe of Morristown, N.J.; Giovanni Bottone of Livingston, N.J. and his great-grandson, Logan Jago. Frank is also survived by his nephew Pat (Gail) Bottone of Fairfield , N.J. and a niece Carmela (Jim) Randall of Delaware.

The public at large may remember the coach who started a football program at New Providence High School in 1963, remaining there for 48 years, and becoming a legend by the time he retired from coaching the team in 2010 with a record of 334-7-46. His players and friends will remember the man with the wonderful sense of humor, who became family, a father figure, a mentor. Frank had a special gift - a charm that would envelop you into his circle. Over the years, that circle has become enormous. From the immediate family, his players, the custodians, the secretaries, the Breakfast Moms to the opposing coaches, officials and reporters - everyone wanted to hang around Coach. He loved to play practical jokes especially on his easiest target, his long-time assistant Don Carpenter. Although a fierce competitor and disciplinarian, Frank was really a softie with a warm heart and an inherent gentleness. Everything was done with gusto and enthusiasm whether he was teaching his players, plowing the fields, pickling eggplant, skiing, golfing, or cooking peppers and eggs and the best sausage and peppers ever. His greatest joy has been his four grandchildren and first great-grandchild; he cherished every moment he had with them. He was happy that his daughter and son lived nearby and took great pride in their accomplishments. He was also proud to have his nephew coaching with him for years.

We are all so blessed to have had Frank in our lives for so many years. I told him the other day that our 41-year marriage has been a glorious journey of laughter and tears. We felt incredibly lucky to have found each other. We should all celebrate this amazing man who touched so many people. We all thought he would live forever - and he will, in the hearts of all who loved him.

Visitation will be held Monday and Tuesday, November 13 and 14, 2017 from 3 - 8 p.m. at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, N.J. The funeral will be Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at St.Philomena’s Church, 386 S.Livingston Ave., Livingston. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover, N.J.