Michael L. Frankovich

Michael Lynn Frankovich

Island Heights – Michael L. Frankovich, affectionately known as Mike, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, with loved ones by his side. He was 64.

Born to the late Florida Frankovich, Michael was a lifelong resident of Island Heights. He attended Island Heights Grade School and Central Regional Middle and High Schools, where he wrestled and played soccer, as a proud “Golden Eagle”. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, he returned to his hometown of Island Heights.

Throughout his life, Michael was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the M. Pearl King Award from Central Regional High School and the Paul Harris Rotary Award. His leadership roles included past president of both the Long Beach Island Rotary and the Rotary Club of Toms River. Michael was also an active member of the Island Heights United Methodist Church, Shore Builders Association, and Knights of Columbus. He also donated his time and energy to several other charities, most notably Barnegat Bay Charities and Tuckerton Seaport. He also served as Commodore of the Island Heights Yacht Club. Michael actively served his community as a 9 year member of the town council for the Borough of Island Heights.

Michael dedicated over 30 years to OceanFirst Bank as a residential loan officer, sales manager and vice president. As a loan officer he was a record setting producer for OceanFirst helping hundreds of individuals and families achieve their dreams of homeownership, forging lasting friendships along the way.

An avid sailor, Michael began his journey in the Island Heights Yacht Club junior sailing program. He sailed for the University of Rhode Island and then returned to sail throughout his life on Barnegat Bay. Mike was a fixture in the A-Cat fleet. He co-owned the A-Cat “BAT (IH 1)” with his dear friend Bob Lostrom, who predeceased him. Michael also sailed on E-Scows as well as several other A-Cats, most recently Spyder, with his son Mike Jr. and close friends. Mike was a fantastic tactician, or “snacktician” as he liked to be referred to, as well as skipper who always made his crew and competitors laugh – just not during the race. “Yeah, yeah” (if you know, you know!).

Michael's passion for skiing was sparked when he met his wife Katie in 1998. Together with their son Mike Jr., they enjoyed weekend trips to Windham as well as other ski areas. An enthusiastic golfer and clammer, Michael loved sharing these activities with friends and family, often delighting children with his whimsical "clam whistle" joke.

Michael's warmth and charisma left an indelible mark on everyone he met, from the ski slopes to the sailing waters to vacations, and everywhere in between.

He was also well known for bestowing fitting nicknames on those he knew, and had a gift for making every encounter memorable. He touched so many people and so many hearts, it was always an adventure and a fun party wherever he went.

Michael was predeceased by his mother, Florida and his stepfather Frank (aka “Bunny” or “the rabbit”) Heckman. He is survived by his wife Katharine (Katie) Frankovich and his son Michael Frankovich, Jr.

Michael will be missed by his surviving Aunts, his many cousins, and friends too numerous to list here.

A man of the community, Michael's legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. We wish you fair winds and following seas, Michael, until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation, in Michael’s memory, to one of the following charities, all of which were close to his heart:

Save Barnegat Bay savebarnegatbay.org

117 Haines Cove Rd (732) 830-3600

Toms River, NJ 08753

ReClam the Bay reclamthebay.org

1623 Whitesville Rd (732) 349-1152

Toms River, NJ 08755

Sailing Foundation of Barnegat Bay – directed to IHYC Junior Sailing Program, reference Frankovich

PO Box 1227 sailingfoundatoniofbarnegatbay.org

Island Heights, NJ 08732