Jeremiah “Jerry” Frain, of Woodland Park, New Jersey, passed away on May 25, at the age of 89. Born on October 9, 1935, to Anna and James Frain in Jersey City, New Jersey, Frain spent most of his life in Rutherford, New Jersey, where he built a beloved family and a respected legacy in both business and community service.

He was the devoted husband of Barbara Frain for 65 years, having celebrated their anniversary on May 7. Frain is survived by his loving wife and children, including his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Terri; daughter Kelly; and son Ken and daughter-in-law Kim as well as his cherished grandchildren: Lauren and her husband Steve, Matt, Danny, Austin, Allison, and Caroline. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Shelby and Nolan. He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, and his loyal circle of golf buddies. Frain was predeceased by his parents, Anna and James, his brother James, and his sister Marilyn.

Frain served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957, and he served his community with equal dedication. A pillar of Rutherford, he was president of the Rutherford Football League, president of the St. Mary’s Fathers and Alumni Club, a member of the St. Mary’s Hall of Fame, and an active member of the Rutherford Elks Club. His passion for youth sports led him to coach St. Mary’s freshman football, Rutherford Jr. Football, little league, and Biddy basketball. A lifelong Notre Dame football enthusiast—part of the proud “subway alumni”—he carried his love for the game into every season.

An avid golfer, Frain was a longtime member of Upper Montclair Country Club, where he also served as president from 2003 to 2004.

Professionally, Frain was co-owner and president of Frain Bovasso, a premier manufacturers’ rep group serving the New York metro area. With more than four decades at the helm, he built a respected and enduring business known throughout the sanitary supply and janitorial industries. His career began at Colgate, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Frain Bovasso, where he continued working and mentoring others for decades.

Frain was also a proud and loyal member of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, for over 50 years. His support for ISSA, as well as its regional affiliates NJSSA and NYSSA, was unmatched. It’s said he never missed an ISSA trade show—from his earliest days at Colgate through the formation and success of Frain Bovasso. His presence at these events was more than professional—it was personal. He believed in building relationships, supporting his peers, and giving back to the industry that had given him so much. He also served on the board of the NJ Sanitary Supply Association for six years and on the board of the Manufacturers Reps of America for three.

David Holtzman, who served as president of ISSA in 2010 and was both a colleague and close friend of Frain, remembers the lessons he and the industry learned from Frain’s impact on all.

“Jerry Frain taught us many things:  to be kind, to be reputable, how to be a successful businessman, proper pace of play and how to enjoy a sneeze to the fullest, with the ability to sneeze and wake an entire city up, but always a kind and gentle, giving individual.

“Knowing Jerry for almost 50 years and my entire business career, he was one of the most helpful and professional manufacturers’ reps in my career.  Together with partner Bob Bovasso, Frain Bovasso Associates had access to many of the premier vendors in the jan/san industry, allowing us to mutually build a successful business in the New York City metropolitan area.

“In my 40 years of doing business and being involved with ISSA, we attended many conventions, working together with our dedicated vendors Jerry represented.  He was always helpful in making my ISSA convention visits a success.  Beyond the professional relationship, we enjoyed many corporate and convention trips with Jerry and his family.

“Jerry – may you continue to shine on as our star in heaven.  Rest in peace.”