Franklin T. Leck, 81

Franklin T. Leck passed away, peacefully, on October 18, 2023. He was born on March 14, 1942, and was the son of Frank and Mary (Harvey) Leck. He grew up in Livingston, graduating from Livingston High School in 1960. He honorably served with theArmy National Guard. Additionally, he attended Lincoln Techical Institute.

He married his childhood sweetheart, the love of his life, Linda (Parratt) on May 17, 1964. They met when he was 13 and both knew at that meeting they would one day marry. After a long motor trip through the south, they resided in Livingston, where they still live. They raised four children Kenneth (Cherie), Donald (Christine), Rodger (Denise) and Melinda. They have eight great grandchildren and one great grandson. Frank is also survived by his brother Bob (Joyce), brother in law Lee Parratt, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his dog, Maggie.

Frank, lovingly known by the guys as “Sid,” joined the Livingston Fire Department when he was 17. He was still an active member at the time of his passing, serving 64 years as the second longest active member of the department. He served at both Headquarters and Northfield firehouses. He was on Rescue Company 1 and served as Warden, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was Deputy Chief of the Northfield Firehouse from 1997-1999. He was honored at the fireman’s dinner dance in 2019, for 60 years of service, being awarded a trophy, with all four rescue trucks pictured on it. He was recently awarded the Presidential Service Award for Volunteerism.

Frank became a licensed plumber in 1967, owning his own business and working up until his passing. He also worked for the Township of Livingston’s Water Department, for over 20 years, retiring as a supervisor.

While raising his children, he was an active committee member of Boy Scout Troop 12, continuing in that role after his children were grown. He went on many adventures, including camping trips, canoeing, skiing, and skeet shooting.

Frank got his family interested in camping when the children were very young. They were able to spend a lot of time traveling with different types of trailers. He loved his place in Cape May.

Frank had a quiet way about him, with a twinkle in his eyes; he teased everybody. He was always there for each one when they needed him. He would help family, friends and acquaintances when they called.

A special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Saab, Dr. Scott Maron, Drs. John and Jason Hamberger and all the members of the Livingston Fire Department who gave him a lot of support and assistance over the past four months, with rides to the doctors, treatments and the hospital. Special thanks to Craig Dufford, Mark Fusari, Ed Chedister, Ralph Rea, Donna Mollineaux, Kevin and Jen Nugent, and Pat Ippolito. Thank you Pastor Dan Martian of the Livingston Presbyterian Church who was always there for Frank’s family and friends, giving them strength.

Donations in Frank’s name can be made to the Livingston Fire Department, Livingston First Aid Squad, Livingston Presbyterian Church, Shriner’s Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter.

Visitation will be held at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Friday, October 27, 2023, with a Fireman’s Service at 7:30 p.m. Services will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Livingston, 271 W. Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ, at 10:00 a.m. on October 28, 2023, with Internment from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Restland Cemetery, 77 DeForest Avenue, East Hanover, NJ.