Albert A. Fralinger Honoree – The Citadel Academy of Engineers

Academy of Engineers

The Citadel Academy of Engineers honors engineering leaders from both the public and private sectors who have enjoyed substantial success in their professional lives and made significant contributions to their communities. All our inductees have lived a life consistent with The Citadel School of Engineering mission, which is to “educate and develop Principled Engineering Leaders to serve a global community” and with the School’s values that include integrity, diversity, respect for others, professional and intellectual development for all, and excellence through continuous improvement.

The School of Engineering chose the crystal obelisk as a tangible memento of being chosen to the Academy of Engineers. The Obelisk represents the engineers of our past who built or invented Engineering feats like the Washington Monument, the transcontinental railroad, the Brooklyn Bridge, the telegraph, the electrification of our nation and the world to mention just a few of the structures and devices that were built and invented without the incredible tools of today. In addition, we feel that each of our inductees have been servant-leaders; that is, engineering leaders who see their role in the world to first serve others through their incredible skills.

Albert A. Fralinger Jr., honored as 2017 Academy of Engineers Inductee. He is one of four distinguished engineering leaders inducted in the Citadel, School of Engineering Academy of Engineers, on April 6, 2017, in Johnson Hagood Stadium in Charleston, SC.

The Citadel, School of Engineering, Academy of Engineers highlights engineering leaders from both the public and private sectors who have enjoyed substantial success in their professional lives and made significant contributions to their communities.

Mr. Fralinger is a 1955 graduate of The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Mr. Fralinger was selected for the monumental legacy of Fralinger Engineering PA and its impact on South NJ, DE, and PA; the incredible lesson on resilience and persistence in building your own firm while working a full-time job; and for his impact on engineering through the incredible number of engineers within his family.

Appearing in photo on left is School of Engineering Dean, Ronald Welch, PhD, PE, COL (retired), F. ASCE, F. Same as well as Brig. Gen. Connie Book, PhD., Provost and Dean of the College, on the right.

ALBERT A. FRALINGER, JR., PE, PP, & PLS

Albert A. Fralinger, Jr. was born in Bridgeton, NJ on October 3, 1932 and has lived all his life in the Bridgeton area, and continues to be devoted to the betterment of Cumberland County and South Jersey through his civic involvement and professional services as a Professional Engineer, Professional Planner and Professional Land Surveyor. Upon graduation from Bridgeton High School in 1950, he attended The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. While waiting for orders to enter the Army he worked as an Engineering Aide in the Cumberland County Engineering Department, NJ. He assisted the County Engineer with calculations, drafting and preparation of plans and specifications for road and bridge projects, construction inspection and field crew survey chief. He served as an Infantry Officer in the 5th Armored Division from 1955 to 1957. He was released from active duty as a First Lieutenant and began his Civil Engineering career in New Jersey.

He has been married to Caroline C. (Molony) Fralinger since 1955 when they first met in Charleston S.C. while he attended the Citadel. They have six children, Albert III, J. Michael (deceased), Frances E. Farnoly, Caroline M. Lecakes, Patricia Moore, and Charles M. They are also very proud of having twenty-five grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Al was employed as a Highway Designer and Consulting Engineer during the time the Interstate Road System was being developed, as a field engineer supervising five sampling and drilling crews in Chicago, Il., Principal and Resident Construction Engineer within the NJ Department of Transportation in charge of highway construction, supervisor of highway construction inspectors, and field survey crews. After ten years with the NJDOT he was employed as Director of Public Works and City Engineer for the City of Bridgeton for twenty years. To supplement his income he started a land surveying business, working nights, weekends and holidays. He acquired a number of firms to grow the Fralinger firm (now 50 employees) and he presently serves as Chairman of the Board, Chief Financial Officer and Major Stockholder of Fralinger Engineering, PA.

At this time his primary responsibility is public relations and marketing of the Firm. He has extensive experience in furnishing “expert testimony” in various court cases.

Al has served on many Boards and Commissions during his professional career: the Bridgeton Hospital Board of Directors for 40 years as it progress to being the South Jersey Healthcare Medical System which included four hospitals; the Board of Young Men’s Savings & Loan Association for 43 years which later became Colonial Bank, fsb; the Cumberland County College Board of Trustees which guided the college though his overseeing of the design and construction of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

He has been appointed by three different governors to serve as a Commissioner on the Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey which activities includes the operation and maintenance of four bridges crossing the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania and also over sees the operation of the Port Authority Transit Corp (PATCO) High Speed Rail between Lindenwold, NJ and Philadelphia, PA and the Ameriport Intermodal Rail Freight Yard in South Philadelphia; the Delaware River and Bay Authority where he served 8 out of 10 years as Vice Chairman and then Chairman and was instrumental in the Lewis to Cape May Ferry Terminals were upgraded and launching the Three Forts Ferry Operation, the first new crossing for the bi-state agency since 1968 as well as improvements and operation by the Authority of the Millville Airport, NJ, Cape May Airport, NJ, New Castle Airport, DE, Delaware Airport, DE, and Civil Air Terminal at Dover, DE as well as many upgrades and maintenance projects for the Delaware River Memorial Bridge and highway approaches; the Rowan University Board of Trustees where the College of Engineering building was completed and he continues to serve on the College of Engineering Dean’s Advising Council.

Al and his wife Caroline, has enjoyed entertaining the family during the many holidays throughout the year and beach time with the children and grandchildren at Kiawah Island, SC. They are both avid golfers and enjoy the beach during the summer months. Al and Caroline plan to continue being actively involved with volunteer time on many community projects, “as long as the old horse doesn’t step on a nail and the catbird doesn’t have kittens.”