Michele A. Frank

Michele lived a maverick, creative, and adventurous life. She is fondly remembered for her work as Technical Editor and as the author of the monthly column The Gadgeteria for Popular Photography magazine during the 1970s and 1980s. Her wide-ranging career also included recording sound effects for Elektra Records and providing optical consulting for Panavision. These roles took her around the world, where she happily immersed herself in new cultures and languages, especially Japanese and German.

A true free spirit, Michele was known for her sharp mind, boundless curiosity, and a sense of style that turned heads. Whether traveling, working, or creating, she made her presence known with quick wit and effortless charm.

In retirement, Michele embraced a new creative chapter through ceramics, becoming a proud member of the Sea Breeze Potters in The Villages, Florida. She liked to say her work wasn’t meant to be perfect, just useful and enjoyed. An avid hiker and enthusiastic cook, Michele’s sense of fun and adventure never faded. Even as her body slowed, she still insisted on riding a roller coaster.

Michele is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Jonathan; her daughters, Lisa and her husband Edward, and Heather and her husband Gavin; and her five much-loved grandchildren, Samantha, Jillian, Taylor, Lydia, and Lloyd.

If you feel moved to honor Michele’s memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

A memorial gathering will be held at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, located at 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey, 07039. The gathering is scheduled for January 17, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

After the service, we invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life.