Francis "Frank" Leon LaPenta passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at his home in the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township.  He was 89 years old.

Frank was Born on New Street in Woodbridge, and he was a dedicated, lifelong resident of the township.

He was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard and served in the United States Airforce during the Korean War.

After the War Frank attended Lincoln Technical Institute's HVAC program, graduating at the top of his class. Mr. LaPenta was employed with Public Service Electric and Gas Company first as a HVAC Technician and later as Building Specialist managing the maintenance of PSE&G's New Jersey facilities, before retiring in 1991.

Frank attended Woodbridge United Methodist Church with his family.  He was a charter member of B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #2116, also serving as the Americanism Chairman and working closely with special needs children. He was one of six founding members of the Woodbridge River Watch and videotaped many of the river clean-up efforts for broadcast on local television. Frank was a member of The Woodridge Historical Association and was committed to the maintenance of the War Memorial that faces Woodbridge Township Municipal Building. He and his wife Audrey dedicated themselves to the creation of The Woodbridge Historical Museum serving on the Museum Committee. Frank was a member of T. Nulty Post 471, American Legion, Iselin; and a member of the Iselin Veterans of Foreign Wars. Frank was also a published Poet; the creator of many Historical documentaries for broad cast on local television, including the School #1 and the Woodbridge Train Wreck documentaries. Frank was the first person on the scene of the Train Wreck on February 6, 1951.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dominic and Edith Walker LaPenta; sisters and brothers, Ellen, Samuel, Madeline, Minnnie, Alverna, Nancy, Louise, Alfred, Walter, Ethel, Dominic, Robert, and Bernard.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Audrey Boos LaPenta; sons, Bruce LaPenta and his wife, Mary Beth, of Flemington; Brian LaPenta and his wife, Luana, of Blairstown; brother, George LaPenta of Howell; grandchildren, Rachel, Megan, Amanda and Benjamin; and great-grandchildren, Johanna and Jaxon. Frank was a dedicated Husband, Father, Grandfather Great Grandfather, and Brother.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.  at Costello-Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green Street at Barron Avenue, Woodbridge. Interment will follow in Trinity Church Cemetery, Woodbridge. Visiting hours for family and friends will be on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Woodbridge Historical Association, P.O. Box 83, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 in Mr. LaPenta's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.