Obituary of Frank B. Gohr

Frank Benjamin Gohr, 68, of Pitman NJ, died February 2, 2015, due to complications of a cardiac arrest suffered November 9. A Chicago native, he was born October 7, 1946, to the late Frank & Grace (Peterson) Gohr. After graduation from Leo High School, he accepted a full Evans Scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduation, Frank worked for Procter & Gamble for 5 years. He then took a job with Root Candle Co., selling church candles and supplies. His sales territory eventually stretched from New York to Virginia. Known as "The Candle Man" to his customers, Frank was due to celebrate 42 years with Root. He loved his job, was very proud of making a living being paid only commission and never intended to retire. He resided in Florence, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Boardman, OH; Wescosville, PA; Levittown, PA; and Pitman. Frank loved sports, especially hockey; he played goalie in his teens, which resulted in his crooked nose. His jokes were legendary, mostly bad and were eagerly anticipated by many. Frank was tireless in his enthusiasms and his volunteerism. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish) where he ushered, assisted his wife teaching CCD, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered where he could. Frank served on the Board of Directors of the Bristol-Bensalem Human Services Center. Having been diagnosed with a meningioma, he joined the Delaware Valley Brain Tumor Support Group and, after his successful gamma knife treatment, remained to welcome others and make them comfortable. As a brain tumor survivor, he and his daughter walked together each year in the Race for Hope. As a member of the Washington Twp Juvenile Conference Committee, he worked to prevent youths from re-offending. He served in several positions on the Executive Board of the Sketch Club Players in Woodbury and acted in numerous plays, both mainstage and for children. He spent many Christmases portraying Santa Claus for the city of Woodbury. Riding in the parade was great fun, and he enjoyed listening to the children night after night. Santa had regulars and could often greet children by name, to their astonishment. It was a privilege for him to be Santa for some of the group homes for clients of The Arc Gloucester, a role that required patience, skill and understanding. As Assistant Scoutmaster and Quartermaster of BSA Troop 55 of Pitman for 20+ years, Frank not only helped at meetings, but he also went on many weekend trips & longer treks. Many summer weeks were spent at Scout camps local and distant. He was in charge of planning the annual Ski Weekend, usually the favorite trip of the year. Frank was an unapologetic family man. He championed family trips, family meals and family attendance at functions. Later, he and Mary Ann made priceless memories traveling the US, Canada and Europe. They also took short, impromptu "adventures." Because Frank loved good food and wine, he remembered the details of many special meals. Above all, Frank's favorite activity was being with his adored grandchildren. His love for them was boundless and he was ever-present at their sporting events, concerts, plays and awards ceremonies. His dream was to dance with each girl at her wedding. Frank was predeceased by his devoted parents and his cherished sister-in-law, Christine (Booth) Wieden. His survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, Mary Ann (Booth) Gohr of Pitman; his beloved children: Christopher A. Gohr (Gerald Rosenbaum) of New York City; Lisa M. Gohr of Pitman; Kevin M. Wehlen (Krista) of Pitman; and Joseph A. Wehlen (Phebe A. Powell) of FL; his brothers: William S. Gohr (Audrey) of GA and Donald L. Gohr (Ina) of AR; his much-loved grandchildren: Madyson Wehlen, Maya Wehlen, Megan Wehlen, Joseph Wehlen IV, Elise Wehlen, James Wehlen, and step-grandchildren, Olivia Cooper and Adam Cooper; his loving stepmother, may make a memorial donation to these charities close to Frank's heart: Memorials and Tributes, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 845945, Boston, MA 02284-5945 or National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel St, Newton, MA 02458. Please indicate that the donation is in Frank's memory Lorraine Gohr of Chicago; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Friends may call at Kelley Funeral Home on Saturday, March 7, from 9:15-10:30, followed by Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Pitman, at 11 am. Burial will be at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, Clearwater FL. No expression of sympathy other than verbal or written is necessary; however, those who wish. may make a memorial donation to these charities close to Frank's heart: Memorials and Tributes, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 845945, Boston, MA 02284-5945 or National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel St, Newton, MA 02458. Please indicate that the donation is in Frank's memory