Obituary of Frank Sena

Frank Sena, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2025. He was 90.

Frank leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Kathryn Sena (née Romeo); his devoted daughters Sue and Katie Sena; one cherished grandchild, Frances Kathryn Sena; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, great-grandnieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Sal Sena; and three sisters, Mary Grasso, Antoinette Tirella and Theresa Jagiello.

Frank was born on July 2, 1934 in Morristown to the late Frank Sena, Sr. and Rose Sena (née Carozza). He was raised in Madison and attended St. Vincent Martyr School and Madison High School.

After graduating high school Frank enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Belvoir in Virginia for two years. When he returned from the service he apprenticed with master carpenters before joining the Madison Police Department. He served his town proudly as a police officer for 25 years until his retirement. After retiring Frank went back into carpentry and mentored younger police officers.

Frank was a devoted husband and a hands-on dad. He was an avid fan of Madison High School sports and was the biggest cheerleader for his daughter’s field hockey games, winning the biggest fan award. He also was involved in his daughter’s theatre plays, lending his carpentry skills to build sets with the students. Frank and Kathie loved to travel across the United States and throughout Europe. San Francisco and London were Frank’s favorite cities, but together Frank and Kathie also visited Italy, Canada and the Pacific Coast together. Frank tended to an impressive vegetable garden, growing zucchini and tomatoes. His love for gardening came at an early age from helping his father in the family gardens.

Always wanting to keep himself busy, Frank was an active volunteer. He was a member of the Parish Council and Cemetery Committee at St. Vincent Martyr Church. He volunteered at Fairleigh Dickinson University to restore the Italian Gardens, worked with the Millenium Committee to create a time capsule that was buried in front of the Madison Borough Hall, and made wine at the Villa Rose Wine School.

Frank leaves behind an incredible legacy for his family to cherish and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Frank at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org.

Interment will be held privately for Frank’s family.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to the Madison Public Library, 39 Keep Street, Madison, NJ 07940.