William F. “Bill” Frolich Jr., a longtime treasurer and devoted member of the Union County Historical Society, passed away on September 30, 2021, at the age of 101.
For 45 years, Bill contributed his knowledge, energy, and friendship to UCHS. In addition to serving as Society Treasurer, he wrote and edited the UCHS Newsletter, helping preserve and share the history of Union County with generations of readers.
Bill was born on April 16, 1920. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and spent much of his professional career at the Singer Manufacturing Company. Beginning as an office boy in 1937, he advanced through the skilled trades to become a master machinist before retiring when the Elizabeth plant closed in 1982.
An avid photographer and dedicated local historian, Bill spent a lifetime documenting the people, places, and events of Roselle. For nearly 50 years, he also filmed Roselle High School sporting events. His extensive collection of local historical material is now being preserved and exhibited by the Roselle Memorial Library.
In recognition of his contributions, the Borough of Roselle dedicated William “Bill” Frolich Jr. Way in his honor on Veterans Day 2021. The ceremony brought together his family, public officials, veterans, and members of the Roselle and Union County historical societies.
Bill’s extraordinary knowledge, generosity, and dedication to local history made him an invaluable part of UCHS and the wider Union County community. His work continues through the newsletters he helped produce, the history he documented, and the collection he left for future generations.
