In Memoriam: Remembering Albert A. Fralinger, Jr. Founder and Chairman of Fralinger Engineering

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Albert A. Fralinger, Jr., founder and Chairman of the Board of Fralinger Engineering, PA. Mr. Fralinger passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday evening November 22, 2025. He was 93.

The only child, born on October 3, 1932 in Bridgeton to Albert A. Sr. and Bertie Husted Fralinger. Raised on Atlantic Street in Bridgeton, he attended Bridgeton schools and graduated from Bridgeton High School with the Class of 1950. He matriculated at The Citadel – Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, SC where he received his BS in Civil Engineering and also met his wife of 70 years, Caroline Craig Molony. The two were married in 1955.

The Fralingers have six children, Albert A. Fralinger, III and his wife Estelle Fralinger, J. Michael Fralinger, Sr. (deceased) and his wife Kim Fralinger, Frances F. Farnoly and her husband Thomas P. Farnoly, Esq. (deceased), Caroline M. Lecakes and her husband LTC George Lecakes, US Army, (ret.), Patricia Moore and her husband Kirk Moore and Charles M. “Chuck” Fralinger and his wife Shelley Fralinger. They also have 25 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

Mr. Fralinger proudly served his country in the US Army from 1955 until 1957. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon his graduation from The Citadel, he served as an infantry officer in the 5th Armored Division. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant and was a reservist until 1963.

His professional career began before graduating from The Citadel when he worked as an engineering aide for the Cumberland County Engineering Department, helping the county engineer with drafting and plans for the construction of many bridges and roads. After his military service, Al was employed as a highway designer by Brown, Blauvelt & McFarland, Consulting Engineers in Woodbury during the time the Interstate Road System was being developed. He later was employed by K.O.F. Foundation Test Boring Inc., Chicago, Il., as a field engineer. He moved on to the NJ Department of Transportation achieving the title of Principal Engineer, serving as a Resident Construction Engineer in charge of highway construction. After ten years with the NJDOT he was employed as Director of Public Works and City Engineer for the City of Bridgeton.

In January of 1966, he established Fralinger Engineering and quickly became the engineer for various municipalities located in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties. His son, J. Michael, joined the firm in 1980 and served as president and, following his passing in 2009, was succeeded by Al’s youngest son, Charles M. “Chuck” Fralinger.

Al served on many Boards and Commissions during his professional career. He was appointed to the Bridgeton Hospital Board of Directors in 1971 and continued to serve for 40 years as it progressed from SJ Healthcare to it’s current, Inspira Health System. That same year, he was appointed as Director on the Board of Young Men’s Savings & Loan Association, now known as Ocean First. He retired after serving 43 years as Chairman and Board member.

He was appointed to the Cumberland County College Board of Trustees in 1984 and guided the college though the design and construction of the Fine and Performing Arts Center. During his tenure he served as Board of Trustees Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer.

In 1989, by gubernatorial appointment, he served as a Commissioner on the Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The commission’s responsibility includes the operation and maintenance of four bridges crossing the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It also oversees the operation of the Port Authority Transit Corp. (PATCO) High Speed Rail. In 1993, also by gubernatorial appointment, he served as a commissioner of the Delaware River and Bay Authority and re-appointed as Commissioner in 1999. He served two terms as vice chairman and two terms as chairman during his tenure of ten years.

Mr. Fralinger was appointed in 1996 to be a member of the Rowan University Board of Trustees. During his term as Facilities Committee Chairman the College of Engineering building was completed. He continued to serve on the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council.

His list of professional memberships and personal accomplishments are extensive. He has been recognized for his unparalleled contributions to the greater Bridgeton area and by local, state and national organizations. Locally, Al has been recognized by the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southern NJ Council Boy Scouts of America, the City of Bridgeton Sportsman’s Corner Award, the prestigious Gregor Mendal Award from St. Augustine Preparatory School, the NJ Society of Professional Land Surveyors – The William T. Murray Lifetime Achievement Award as well as their Surveyor of the Year Award. In addition, Mr. Fralinger was recognized at his alma mater with The Citadel School of Engineering Academy of Engineers Award.

Devoted to his Catholic faith, he was a longtime member of the St. Teresa of Avila RC Church in Bridgeton.