World War II Veteran, Retired Army
Francis (Frank) Morgenthien, 93, of Ocala, FL, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday August 15, 2020. He was born in Newark, NJ, the oldest of 6 children of Francis Sr. and Margaret (Dunn), and graduated from West Side High School, Newark, Class of 1944. He married his high school sweetheart, Irene Shea, in 1947, and raised 6 children in and around Belleville, NJ, before he and his wife retired to Coral Springs, FL in 1991.
During World War II, Frank served in the US Army stationed in the Philippines and, after the surrender, was part of the Japanese occupation forces. Back home after the war, he continued to serve his country in the NJ Army National Guard, Newark, retiring in 1967 with the rank of Major. Under the GI Bill, he attended Seton Hall University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration (1950). He also trained at the IBM School in NYC and worked as a systems analyst for Pennwalt Corporation (formerly Wallace & Tiernan) of Belleville until his retirement.
In younger days, Frank enjoyed bowling and was a member of several leagues in both NJ and FL. In NJ, he was a Mets fan, but jumped ship when he moved to FL and rooted for the Marlins. A voracious reader, Frank continued to read the daily newspaper and several books a week despite severely impaired vision. He also enjoyed watching old movies and listening to his favorite music (Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, Louis Armstrong and military marching songs). He will be remembered for his sharp wit, sharp mind and sharp tongue.
Frank was predeceased by his son Francis, wife Irene, and brothers John and Thomas. Survivors include brother Paul; sisters Mary Grzywinski and Theresa Morgenthien; his 6 children Paula Gajewski, Ellen Frances, Carol Morgenthien, Elizabeth Morgenthien (John Palmer), James and William; 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours on Thursday, August 27, 4:30-6:30 pm at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Friday, August 28, at Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 179 Baldwin Rd, Parsippany, NJ. Burial to immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Hospice, 14875 77th Avenue, Suite 100, Miami Lakes, FL 33014.
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