Karl Frantz, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Karl, known by all as “Coach”, was born in Scranton, PA, and raised in Audubon Park, NJ. Coach graduated from Audubon High School in 1956, where he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. He earned four varsity letters in football and baseball and three varsity letters in basketball. He was an All-South Jersey and All-State performer while leading the Green Wave to a conference title in 1955.
He also earned All-State honors in baseball in 1955 and 1956. In addition, he won a State Championship in 1954 with Brooklawn Post #72, under legendary baseball coach, Joe Barth, Sr. After high school, Coach went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware where he had outstanding football and baseball careers, earning six varsity letters.
After graduation, Coach was signed by the Milwaukee Braves organization and played two seasons of minor league baseball. In 1963, Coach began his Health and Physical Education teaching career at Delsea High School and entered the coaching ranks in football, serving as an assistant for the region’s top programs.
He was an assistant coach from 1963 to 1968 under Coach John Oberg, helping the Crusaders compile an unbeaten season at 9-0 in 1968. In 1969, Coach accepted a teaching position at Hammonton High School, where he taught Health and Physical Education until his retirement in 1998.
He served as an assistant football coach at Hammonton, helping the Blue Devils to 10 Cape-Atlantic League championships as well as three South Jersey Group 3 crowns. In addition, he also compiled a 64-31-1 record as Hammonton baseball coach from 1975 to 1979 and a 40-29-1 record as Blue Devil’s track coach during two different stints.
Coach has been inducted into the South Jersey Baseball Hall of Fame as well as the Audubon and Hammonton High School Halls of Fame. He will always be remembered through his positive impact on so many lives through his teaching, coaching, and mentoring.
Karl is predeceased by his parents Woodrow and Mildred Frantz and sister, Barbara Ann Frantz. He is survived by his loving wife Dora Lee Frantz (nee Elliott), his sons Dr. Frazier Frantz, MD, and his wife Stephanie and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael E. Frantz and his wife Patti Ann as well as his siblings, Robert Frantz (Ginny), Wayne Frantz, Carol Frantz, Paul Frantz (Candace), Michael Frantz (Judy), Susan Hawco (William). Karl will be sadly missed by his 10 grandchildren, Karl Frantz (Caroline), Emi Lee Frantz (Nida), Jenna, CJ, Jake and Elizabeth Frantz, McKenzie King (Josh), Anthony, Amilee, and Ava Chiofalo and Great Granddaughter Lena Frantz.
Funeral services under the direction of the Marinella Funeral Home 102 N. Third St. Hammonton, NJ 08037. Burial Greenmount Cemetery 124 S. First Rd. Hammonton, NJ 08037. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Coach’s name to the Hammonton All Sports Booster Club, 556 Old Forks Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.
