In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, RFH ’58 Grad, Pascale Sykes Foundation Founder, Fran Pascale Sykes

Longtime Rumsonite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) 1958 graduate, wife, mother and founder and CEO of The Pascale Sykes Foundation, Frances Pascale Sykes, passed away peacefully on March 25, surrounded by her loved ones.

“Fran was a driven, brilliant, courageous woman who set her eyes on a goal and went for it. Whether it be raising a family or running a foundation, her rules were self-evident and you knew where you stood with her. She meant what she said and followed through. She was creative, knitting sweaters for her grandchildren, sewing homemade Halloween costumes for her children and teaching them all how to swim. She was an athlete. Swimming, water aerobics, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, walking and hiking gave her peace. She enjoyed gardening, arranging flowers, playing the piano, baking and making homemade jelly from the grapes that she grew. She had a strong faith in God, was dedicated to her church, gave to others and she set an example for her family on how to care for others.”
Loved ones of Fran Pascale Sykes in her obituary

Born in Newport News, VA, she ended up being raised in Rumson and graduating from RFH in 1958. After living in Newport News, Merion, PA, Newport, RI, Pittsburgh, PA. and Center Harbor, NH (summer), she settled in Rumson as an adult and spent her summers in Oquossoc, ME.

She received her BA in Religion from Smith College (Class of 1962) and her MA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1977.

She married her husband, Donald (Skip) M. Sykes Jr., on June 16, 1962. They were married for 57 years.

Fran raised three children and was a dedicated math, swimming and water aerobics teacher. She also served as a lifeguard and camp counselor at Plumfield Camp in New Hampshire.

Fran was a former trustee at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, where she served as secretary of the Board and on the Financial Affairs, Development, Investment, Facilities and Executive committees. In appreciation of her years of service, Fran was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters at Commencement in 2012. She was also on the Board of the Directors at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in VA and president of the Hampton Roads Airport.

In 1992, Fran and Skip saw a need and began The Pascale Sykes Foundation, focusing on funding efforts using family-driven plans to support working, low-income families. Using the Whole Family Approach, the Pascale Sykes Foundation helped families in New Jersey and New York City, providing adults and children with the tools to set, plan for, and achieve their goals together as a family. The Pascale Sykes Foundation ran for 30 years.

Fran is predeceased by her parents, Captain Henry Pascale and Frances Abbitt Pascale and her husband Donald M. Sykes Jr.

Fran leaves behind: her sister, Jeannie W. Pascale; her three children and spouses, Abby Sykes (Anthony Millington), Jeremy Sykes, Tiernan Close (Matthew); and eight grandchildren, James Downey, Stella Downey, David Sykes, Michael Sykes, Maxwell Close, Charlotte Close, Nora Close and Cole Millington.

“She also leaves behind her wonderful care team who cared for Fran with love, respect and dignity. Her family is proud to have them in their lives.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. The funeral service will be held on Saturday April 13, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 150 River Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

In the philanthropic spirit of Fran, we ask that you please volunteer your time or make a donation to a non-profit organization to help families who are in need.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home