Francis E. Pawlowski

Retired Bayonne Police Chief, Francis E. Pawlowski entered into eternal rest peacefully on August 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Bayonne, Frank’s life was built on hard work, strength, and humility. These core beliefs were seen in every aspect of his life as he embodied everything it meant to be a leader, a mentor, and most importantly a good and decent human being.

A gifted athlete in his high school years, Frank demonstrated remarkable athletic abilities excelling in basketball that he took joy in playing well into his 40’s.

Frank, along with his brothers, routinely assisted their father in operating the family business, “Pop’s Corner” a prosperous landmark on the corner of 17th Street and Broadway in Bayonne where they were notorious for their incredible roast beef sandwiches that no one could top.

In 1962, Frank enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served as a Paratrooper.  Following his military service, he joined the Bayonne Police Department where he maintained a standard of excellence for a total of 40 years. His unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the Bayonne citizens, combined with his intense training, earned him the position of Bayonne Police Department’s Chief, which he served with honor and distinction from 1997 to 2004.

Frank was actively involved with various associations over the years including the Hudson County Police Chiefs Association, and the Princeton Education Research Institute which offered Police promotional exam preparation and entry exam for those looking to become police officers. He was a member of the Robbins Reef Yacht Club in Bayonne serving on the Board of Governors.  Frank also had an appreciation for the great outdoors where he spent most of his leisure time as an avid fisherman.

Frank will be missed beyond measure and loved for all eternity.  His wisdom, sacrifice, and exceptional service in law enforcement left a positive impact and enriched the lives of countless Bayonne citizens. The City of Bayonne is a better place because of him, and his legacy will live on through his proud and loving family. 

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Regina (nee: Sheganowski) Pawlowski, his brothers, Robert Pawlowski (Cathy) Vincent (Butchie Pawlowski) and his partner, Helmuth Kasimir, brother-in-law Kenneth Margetak, his sister, Regina Krivacs, brother-in-law, Antonio Nunez, and his sister-in-law Sharon Nunez.  Left to cherish his memory are his dearly beloved wife of 41 years, Maryann (nee: Nunez) Pawlowski, his children, Richard Pawlowski (Kearny PD) (Cheri), Matthew McGillis (Sgt. BPD) (Danielle), Jonathan Pawlowski (teacher East Brunswick High School) (Kimberly), and Francis Pawlowski (Battalion Chief BFD) (Victoria), eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one soon-to-be great-grandchild; his sister, Sylvia Margetak, brothers-in-law, Gary Krivacs and Joseph Nunez, sister-in-laws, Carmen Petty (Luis), Christina Sykowski (George), and Denise Nunez. 

A visitation will be held at the Dworzanski & Son Funeral Home on Thursday, August 31, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A funeral mass will be offered on Friday, September 1, at 10:00 AM at Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich Parish of St. Andrews Church, 2 West 4th Street, Bayonne, followed by a private cremation at Rosehill Crematory in Linden, NJ. 

A Fisherman's Prayer

God grant that I may fish

until my dying day.

And when it comes to my last cast,

I then most humbly pray,

When in the Lord's safe landing 

net I'm peacefully asleep,

That in His mercy I be judged as

big enough to keep

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