Frank P. Nerwinski, Sr., 92 (known by many as “Bandy” or “D-Dad”) of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, passed away on August 15, 2025 at the home where he raised his family, and with his children by his side.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Phyllis DiStefano Nerwinski, parents Paul and Sophie Nierwinski, and siblings Josephine, Joseph and his wife Marion, Genevieve and her husband Frank Stumpo, Veronica and her husband Al Sparra, Peter and his wife Patricia, John and his wife Anna, Frances and her husband Joseph Ozga, Marion and her husband William Ranke, Helen and her husband William Balla, and Herman and his wife Dorothy. 

He is survived by his sister, Anne Nerwinski, his children Frank, Jr. and his wife Patricia, Cheryl N. Chianese, and Kevin and his wife Judith; his grandchildren, Zachary Nerwinski and his wife Melanie, and Sophie Nerwinski, Cassandra Prusaczyk and her husband Christian, and Alexa Pompliano and her husband Joseph, and Jakob Nerwinski and wife Allison, and Sara Nerwinski; his great-grandchildren, Tripp “Little Bandy” and Margot “GoGo” Prusaczyk, Laine and Lily Nerwinski, and Molly Pompliano; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Frank was a graduate of St. Hedwig’s Grammar School, Trenton Catholic Boys High School and Rider College (’59).  He enlisted in the United States Navy and served for four years, including during the Korean War on the destroyer U.S.S. Fred T. Berry. He was employed for thirty years by Johnson & Johnson and retired as the Director of Administrative Services.  He served his community, Lawrence Township, as a councilman for twelve years which included three terms as Mayor.  He was Commander of American Legion Post 458 in Trenton, NJ, and played an integral role in establishing the Tom Hamnett Soccer Club in Lawrence Township, NJ.

Frank was an outstanding soccer player in the Trenton area.  He received All-American honors as a defender for Rider College.  He was inducted into both Rider College and Mercer County’s Halls of Fame.  He was a standout player with Trenton Catholic, St. Michael’s CC, Houghton Inn and Olden AA in the Philadelphia Major League where he was named to the All-Star Team.  Frank was a parishioner at The Church of St. Ann, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7000, and for years delivered donated food by church members to the Mt. Carmel Guild Food Pantry.

Frank loved spending time at his beach house in Barnegat Light with his wife, children and grandchildren. He could also be found on the sidelines at many soccer, field hockey, baseball, and softball games and swim meets, cheering on his children and grandchildren. 

He had a creative and relentless sense of humor, which made him a joy and at times a challenge to be around. The family wishes to express a deep sense of gratitude to Frank’s great-niece Allison Lalli for the care she provided to her Uncle “Frankie” during the most difficult times of his life, and a thank you to the Burch family (Marty, Sharon, Jake and Vida) who as great neighbors were there for him over these past several years and helped him in far too many ways to mention. The family also expresses its appreciation to the staff of Serenity Hospice for their caring support of Frank’s end of life. 

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and again on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:30AM at The Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, Frank requested donations in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.