Services set for former Dover alderman, policeman

Pink will be the prevailing color in Dover Saturday, when the town will honor the memory of former Alderman Frank Poolas.

Poolas, 70, died at home on Monday. His family is inviting the public to attend a memorial from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 Route 10, Randolph. The family also is asking visitors to wear pink "in honor of Frank's larger-than-life personality."

A lifelong resident and graduate of Dover High School, Poolas served the town in a variety of capacities during his life. He started as a postal worker before becoming a police officer and later an alderman, representing Ward 1 for three two-year terms beginning in 2006. He also served the public as president of the Dover Memorial Association.

"I was proud to serve with Frank in Ward 1," said Alderman Michael Picciallo, who said he was recruited into public service by Poolas and Mayor James Dodd. "We had a lot of good times and we did a lot of good things. A lot of people knew the more jovial side of Frank. He would difficult situations lighter with his humor. But I was proud to also know Frank's other side. He was so passionate about the town. He loved Dover and the people. He did a lot of little things that went unnoticed. This is a big loss for Dover."

Poolas also spent 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving two tours in Vietnam. But he may have been best-known in Dover as the owner-operator of the popular Morris Street tavern At the Hop.

According to his family, the Poolas home, "like his heart, was always open to friends, family and anyone lucky enough to come his way. His interests included pottery, gardening, fishing, hunting, classic trucks, Harley motorcycles and ice cream."

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, who he met 50 years ago on New Year's Day. He also is survived by four children — Danny and his wife Susan, Chris and his wife Jiew, his daughter Sanece and his youngest,Tucker.  Surviving family members include his sister Sharon, "Grandma" Sadie, grandchildren Dorothy, Katie, Rain and Arrow, many nieces and nephews and his much-loved dogs Kylie, Jenna, Roberto, Dodgie and Cherokee.

"I'd sum his life up by saying he lived for this world, helping others and making people laugh in the process," Chris Poolas said.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you honor his service to our country and donate in his memory to the Dover Memorial Association, PO Box 1300, Dover, NJ 07802.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.