A longtime Nesquehoning councilman and Democratic Party official has died.

Frank Jacobs Sr. died Monday in Coaldale at the age of 89. He was the husband of the late Mary Alice “Skip” Jacobs, who passed away in 2019.

Jacobs was known to many throughout Carbon County due to his service to his community since the 1970s.

A lifelong Democrat, Jacobs first served Nesquehoning as its mayor from 1978 to 1985 before being elected to council.

“Frank Jacobs was devoted to his family, his community, and to causes he believed in throughout his life of dedicated service,” said Vice Chairman of the Carbon County Democratic Party, Nathan Halenar. “Through our mutual work for the county’s Democratic Party, he showcased to me how to work hard toward achieving goals and finding pathways to success.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this most difficult time.”

Former Carbon County Commissioner William O’Gurek expressed his sadness over the news of Jacobs’ passing.

“Frank was a gentleman first; just a great guy,” he said. “As a Nesquehoning official, there was and never will be anyone who better served his community. His passing is going to be a tremendous loss to that town.

“Frank also chaired the Carbon County Democratic Executive Committee for many years and was a true leader. All of us are going to miss him as he was a true friend to everyone. Siobhan and I offer our condolences to Frank’s family members, who he loved so very much.”

During his time on council, Jacobs oversaw a number of projects throughout the borough and was instrumental with securing funding for the borough’s police station.

“(It’s a) very sad day for the borough on the passing of Mr. Jacobs,” said John McArdle, Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1 fire chief. “Frank was a wealth of knowledge on borough affairs attributed to his long-standing career as a mayor and councilman. He will be missed.”

Longtime friend and fellow council member Mary Fox was in shock this morning.

“He was my last tie to my dad,” she said, noting that Jacobs and her father served on council together. “Frank was a staple in Nesquehoning. He was the greatest. He knew every pipe that was put in the borough, when it was put in, what size it was and who put it in.

“He was a wealth of knowledge and was my go-to guy when I had a question.

“He loved Nesquehoning. He fought for this town,” Fox added. “He will surely be missed.”

“He was an integral part of the borough for years,” said council President David Hawk. “Up until a week ago, he really knew pretty much all aspects going on in the borough, from the day-to-day workings in the street and sewer departments, he was involved in countless negotiations and he understood the finance and budgeting.

“A lot of what I learned on council, I learned from him,” Hawk added.

Jacobs previously served as a Carbon County jury commissioner and on the Carbon County Board of Assessment Appeals and was a current member of the Carbon County Planning Commission, a position he held since 2000.

“Frank’s contribution to the Carbon County Planning Commission will be greatly missed,” said David Bodnar, director of the Carbon County office of Planning and Development. “Frank was a member of the Planning Commission for the past 22 years and was the secretary. The Planning Commission will be forever grateful for his service and wishes to send their condolence to his family.”

Besides borough council, Jacobs was a member of the former Nesquehoning Lions Club, Nesquehoning Historical Society and Nesquehoning Democratic Club.

He was a Korean War veteran, having served in the Navy aboard the USS Ross.

Jacobs is survived by children Eugene, Edward, Nancy Trice, Robert, and Sharon Meck; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and was predeceased by son, Frank Jr., who passed away in 2020.