Frederick M. Rojek, Sr.

Frederick M. Rojek, Sr.

Entrepreneur, business owner, Army Veteran, and a Knight of Columbus

Frederick M. Rojek, Sr., 88, of Scotch Plains, NJ passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, NJ surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017 from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield, NJ. www.higginsandbonner.com The funeral is on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 8:30 followed by the funeral mass at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Mount Saint Mary Academy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, he resided in Scotch Plains since 1970.

Upon graduating from Thomas Edison High School in 1946, Fred opened the Rojek Bar and Restaurant Supply business. It remained open until 1950, when he was drafted into the Army. Fred faithfully served his country during the Korean War as a medic with the 560th Medical Corps. He received several medals for his service including two bronze stars.

When Fred returned from Korea, he saw many opportunities in the booming housing market. He was founder, President, and CEO of F.M. Rojek Insulation, which serviced the entire state of New Jersey as well as parts of Pennsylvania and New York. His motto was “Service, Quality and Integrity”. The housing boom brought along many investment opportunities including the construction of private homes, developments, and office buildings. His business acumen lead him to be a partner in several other ventures including the purchase of Stony Brook Restaurant in Watchung. During his “retirement years”, Fred was content to be a silent partner in various other real estate projects. Throughout his business career, he was known as a gentleman who was fair and honest in his dealings.

He belonged to several professional organizations. Fred was a founding and charter Member of the National Contractor’s Association of America; founder, charter member, and member of the Board of Directors of the Insulation Contractors of New Jersey; Charter member of the Home Builders Association; and Charter member of the National Association of Home Remodelers.

Fred was a lifetime member of the Rev Dean Martin Gessner Council #3310 Knights of Columbus.

Fred loved traveling to many places but his home away from home was the island of Aruba. It was the place he went to “recharge” and get away from the cold winter. He enjoyed being at the beach and the pool. His other favorite activity was listening to Dean Martin and Rod Stewart on his IPod. Fridays in the summer were “Track Day” at Monmouth Park. Since his retirement, he often attended Mass at St. Catherine Sienna Chapel at McAuley Health Center. He and his wife, Josephine, stayed to lunch with the Sisters and play bingo.

Fred is predeceased by his parents, Eva and Macjic (“Mike”) Rojek; his sisters, Catherine Yanusz, Stephanie Yanusz and Eileen Rojek; and his son, Michael J. Rojek.

He is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife of 66 years, Josephine Rojek. A devoted family man, he leaves behind his daughter, JoAnn Rojek Minnicino and her husband, Martin, and his son, Frederick Rojek, Jr and his daughter-in- law, JuneAnne Holmgaard Rojek. In addition, he leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Marissa J. Minnicino, Eva Noel, Nicholas and Gabrielle Rojek as well Haleigh and Michael D. Rojek. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews. His generous spirit and quiet manner will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank Fred’s caregivers especially the wonderful and caring staff at the Center for Hope who showed Fred and his family so much kindness and support. They allowed Fred to live his last days in dignity and peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Fred’s memory to the Center for Hope Hospice, 1900 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 or Mount Saint Mary Academy Endowment Fund, 1645 Route 22, Watchung, NJ 07069.

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