UPDATE: Family and Friends Mourn the Loss of Barber

The rain began to fall harder Tuesday just as the funeral procession for Frank Halat stopped in front of Frank's Barber Shop, on Main Street, Bloomingdale. A relative stepped out of his vehicle, placing a single white rose at the foot of the barber shop door before the procession continued to make its way down Main Street toward Pompton Lakes, where Halat had lived.

Eleven days after Halat was found in his barber shop unconscious with, Halat's family said goodbye one last time Tuesday during a Halat died on Tuesday, April 5, but as family members expressed during the service, while Halat may be gone, he will never be forgotten.

Veterans from the Pompton Lakes VFW stood guard outside St. Mary's Church, lining the steps and raising their flags as Halat's family members carried his casket inside the church. Inside, the church was filled in every row by relatives and friends who had been impacted by the beloved barber and Korean War veteran.

"How do we make sense of an unsensible death?" the priest asked. He continued by explaining that there are "evil forces" in the world intent on victimizing good people like Halat. Bloomingdale police immediatelyfor anyone responsible for the apparent attack and are now to anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction. 

As police continue to search for responsible parties, family members shared fond memories of their "Popeye" (a nickname several grandchildren used for Halat) at the church Tuesday. Halat's grandson, Donovan, spoke about his favorite memories with his grandfather, which included vacations at the New Jersey shore and spending time with him at the barber shop. He said he always enjoyed spending time with Halat, whether they were spending hours having discussions in which they agreed or bumped heads.

Halat's daughter, Susan Halat-Shafer, said one of her fondest memories of her father was of a Christmas cruise her family took several years ago. Several of Halat's grandchildren spoke on behalf of their family members at the funeral Tuesday, each stressing the level of importance family played in Halat's life.

Before arriving at the church, several cars beeped twice as they drove past the barber shop. This beeping was later explained by Halat's granddaughter during the service. Halat would get upset if his family members and friends did not give a "beep beep and a wave" as they drove past his shop when he was working, she said.

She added, "Here's a beep beep and a wave for you."