John "Frankie" DeGennaro

John was born to the late Antonio and Angela (Minervini) DeGennaro in Molfetta Italy before shortly moving to Hoboken and finally settling here in Secaucus where he became a lifelong resident.

He is survived by his loving brothers and sisters, Sam DeGennaro and his late wife Nancy, Michele “Mike” DeGennaro, Celestina DeGennaro, and Maria DeGennaro Annese and her husband Frank Annesse; his devoted nieces and nephews, Katie DeGennaro, Frank DeGennaro, Anna Annese and her partner Rob, and Steven Annese; and a great nephew Alex Annese.

Frankie had a smile people remembered. He brought warmth and friendliness to everyday life, helping make a small community feel like a family. Affectionately known as Secaucus’s “unofficial Mayor and honorary firefighter,” he held a place in the town that was uniquely his own.

One of the sweetest memories of Frankie will always be the sight of him riding his bicycle to Secaucus High School to cheer on the athletes. Every afternoon, whatever the weather, Frankie showed up. His faithful encouragement was a simple but meaningful expression of his connection to the community.

On March 12, 2024, Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council presented Frankie with a key to the city and a plaque recognizing his positive presence in Secaucus. Councilman James Clancy recalled his devoted support of the high school athletes. It was a beautiful acknowledgment of how much Frankie mattered and how deeply he belonged. (secaucusnj.net⁠)

Frankie lived with Down syndrome, and his life was filled with the experiences, relationships, and familiar routines that made him uniquely Frankie. To his family, he was our beloved Frankie—an irreplaceable part of our lives whose memory we will carry into every gathering, every milestone, and every quiet moment when we wish he were beside us.

Sixty-three years could never feel like enough. We will miss his smile, his presence, and the everyday moments together that now mean everything. His familiar bicycle rides and his place cheering on the sidelines will forever be part of the way we remember him.

We find comfort in our faith that Frankie is now at peace, reunited with his beloved parents and surrounded by God’s love, the angels, and the saints.

Frankie, you received the key to the city, but you will always have a place in our hearts. You were loved, you mattered, and your life will always be worth celebrating.

A Visitation will be held at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ on Monday October 19th, 2026, from 4 to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 1219 Paterson Plank Rd, Secaucus, NJ on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, at 10:45 am. followed by his entombment at Fairview Mausoleum, 501 Bergenwood Rd, Fairview, NJ.

In lieu of Flowers donations may be made in his honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Padre Pio Organization of St. Ann’s Church in Hoboken, or the Devotees of La Madonna Dei Martiri of St. Francis Church in Hoboken.

Rest peacefully, dear Frankie. Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten. 🤍