Pierce Gerard Frauenheim, Sr.

Pierce G. Frauenheim Sr.

January 19, 1941 – November 18, 2024

Pierce G. Frauenheim Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and New Jersey high school football legend, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, after 83 years of a life well lived. Born on January 19, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pierce’s life was a testament to the power of faith, family, community, and resilience.

Pierce shared more than 60 extraordinary years of marriage with his cherished wife, the late Ann Marie Frauenheim, lovingly known as “Queen Ann.” Together, they built a legacy of love that has become the foundation of their family’s strength. His family and friends find comfort in knowing that Pierce is now reunited with Ann just in time for the holiday season, along with cherished friends, coaches, and loved ones in Heaven.

A standout athlete at Aspinwall High School, Pierce excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, earning accolades that carried him to Rutgers University. While at Rutgers, he played on the school’s first undefeated football team in 1961, showcasing his natural leadership and athletic prowess. It was also at Rutgers, during a FIJI fraternity party, that he found the love of his life, Ann Marie. The two were inseparable, marrying during his college years and beginning their extraordinary journey together.

In 1962, Pierce Frauenheim joined the founding staff of Immaculata High School in Somerville, New Jersey, where he became a cornerstone of the school’s identity and the architect of its athletic program. Over the next 50 years, he served as Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Head Football Coach, launching and shaping a program that would become synonymous with excellence. Pierce’s vision and dedication not only established Immaculata as a competitive force but also fostered a culture of achievement that extended to all sports. His unwavering commitment to the Spartans led the football team to four state championships, 19 conference titles, and an impressive 337-137-2 record. Beyond the victories, Pierce’s influence transcended the scoreboard—he mentored hundreds of players and coaches, guiding standout athletes from high school fields to the NFL. Known as a pillar of the community, Pierce embodied the Spartan Spirit, inspiring not only his teams but also his colleagues, fellow coaches, students, and the entire Immaculata family.

In addition to his tenure at Immaculata, Pierce served as Manager of the Cedar Hill Swim Club, where his dedication to mentoring extended beyond the football field. At Cedar Hill, Pierce not only fostered a welcoming environment where young people could learn, grow, and thrive but also gave countless high school students their first job opportunities as lifeguards, maintenance workers, and staff members. His leadership at the swim club became another avenue for shaping the lives of local youth, teaching responsibility, teamwork, and community spirit.

A deeply loyal friend with a wicked sense of humor, Pierce had an extraordinary ability to connect with others. As a disciplinarian, he was as terrifying as he was sweet, leading with love and high expectations that brought out the best in everyone around him. He often told his players, no matter the weather, that it was “72 and sunny” on the football field—an attitude that reflected his optimism and outlook on life.

A survivor of larynx cancer, Pierce lost his voice box and vocal cords but never his determination. With the patient guidance of his family, particularly his daughter Patricia, he mastered esophageal speech and courageously found his voice again. Using this “new” voice, he became a motivational speaker, sharing his journey of faith and perseverance to inspire others. Determined to ensure others, especially young people, would not make the same mistakes, Pierce passionately spoke out about the dangers of smoking, using his own battle as a powerful cautionary tale. His advocacy extended further when he served as Chairman of the Board of Managers for the American Cancer Society, Somerset County Chapter, from 1995 to 1997, reinforcing his commitment to saving lives and empowering others through education and hope.

Pierce’s extraordinary legacy is reflected in his numerous accolades and achievements. He was inducted into six Halls of Fame, including the NJICA Hall of Fame (1979), NJSIAA Hall of Fame (2001), NJ Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2002), Aspinwall High School Hall of Fame (1974), Fox Chapel Hall of Fame (2010), Immaculata Hall of Fame (2005), and Rutgers University Hall of Fame (2014), as a member of the undefeated 1961 men’s football team. Pierce was the first recipient of the New York Giants Lou Rettino Coach of the Year Award, the Dr. John F. Bateman "Winners for Life Award," and the Spirit of Somerset County Award, as well as the National Football Foundation Bill Denny Chapter Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award. Among just seven high school coaches to achieve more than 300 career wins, he retired with more than 330 victories, cementing his place as one of the most accomplished football coaches in history. He was also a member of Rutgers University’s first undefeated football team in 1961 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rutgers. Immaculata further honored his legacy with the dedication of the Pierce G. Frauenheim Hall in 1992 and a legacy wall unveiling in 2021.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pierce cherished life’s simple joys. He never missed Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy! with Ann, loved cherry vanilla ice cream, and treasured holidays at the family shore house in Point Pleasant Beach. Christmas parties at 96 West End Avenue were legendary, filled with warmth, laughter, and the love of family and friends. Whether cruising in his sleek Cadillac, attending daily Mass, or leading his teams in prayer before games, Pierce’s life was a reflection of faith, humility, and gratitude.

A lifelong parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church, Pierce took great pride in serving as a Eucharistic Minister, sharing his devotion to his spiritual community. His faith extended into meaningful friendships, including a cherished bond with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, whose mission he supported with steadfast dedication. As a life member of Elks Lodge 1068, Pierce’s sense of camaraderie and service was evident in every aspect of his life. His kindness, loyalty, and unshakable faith left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him, embodying a life lived with grace and purpose.

Family was the heart of Pierce’s world, and his grandchildren were among his greatest joys. They grew up playing touch football and cheering on the sidelines at games he coached—often stealing the spotlight with their own antics. His sons proudly coached alongside him, while Queen Ann was ever-present, often behind the wheel as the team’s bus driver. Whether he was drawing up plays or sharing quiet moments at home, Pierce led his family with the same passion, dedication, and humor that defined his legendary career.

While “Coach” to generations, Pierce was “Daddy” and “Grandpa” to a fortunate few. His family was his greatest team, and he led them with the same passion and commitment he brought to the field. Carrying on his legacy and cherishing his memory are his loving family: Pierce Jr. and wife Kathy, Christopher, Patricia Bobrowski and husband Kevin Sr., Theresa Adams and husband Scott, Michael and his late wife Christine, David and wife Ellen, and Scott and husband Mike Hubbard.

He shared a special bond with each of his 21 grandchildren (Michelle and husband Matt Vosk, Jessica, Pierce III, Lauren and fiancé Christian Catapano, Krista and husband Mat Polanco, Kayla, Michael and fiancée Anna Powell, Kelly, Kimberly and husband Tim Barber, Danny, Kyle, Luke, Connor, Patrick, Kevin Jr., Jack, Cody, Grace, Ryan, Erin, Malia). He adored his five great-grandchildren (Madeline, Michaela, Andrew, Maileigh, and Mason). Pierce is predeceased by his siblings Danny, Mary Louise “Weezy”, Aloysius “Sonny” and Gilbert. He is also survived by his younger sister Karen Rihn and husband Tom, sister-in-law Ginny and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were forever enriched by his presence.

Family and friends are welcome to gather from 2:00 to 8:00PM on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Immaculata High School, 240 Mountain Ave, Somerville.

Services will be held at 5:30PM during the visitation period.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Friday, November 22, 2024, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. To join us online, please Click Here

Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christine Fox  Frauenheim Foundation Click Here to donate online, the Pierce Frauenheim Scholarship Fund at  Immaculata High School Click Here to donate online, or the Unitas Caritas Foundation Click Here to donate online.

Pierce  Frauenheim Sr. lived with purpose, passion, and an unyielding faith that touched everyone he met. His legacy is woven into the fabric of his family, his community, and the countless lives he influenced. As he  reunites with Queen Ann, may his spirit inspire us all to lead with  love, face challenges with courage, and embrace every moment as “72 and sunny.”