Francis H. 'Frank' Henninger Jr.

Francis H. “Frank” Henninger Jr., 86, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at home with his family by his side. Frank was born on July 9, 1930, to Francis H. Sr. and Ruth (nee Jacobs) Henninger in Carlstadt, NJ and resided in Secaucus before moving to Highland Lakes in 1971.
Frank received his Bachelor Degree from the University of Missouri, School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri. Frank was employed at Allied Signal, formerly Bendix Corporation, in Teterboro, N.J. as an Aerospace Mechanical Engineer for 33 years, retiring in 1992. Frank served in the United States Navy as a deep sea diver during the Korean War.
Two of his passions were sailing and the Metropolitan Opera. While in Highland Lakes, he enjoyed sailing competitively into his 80s, as well as teaching lessons to aspiring young sailors. For fifty years, Frank performed in non-singing roles on stage at the MET, such as a wine merchant in LaBoheme and a high priest in Aida. He delighted in taking family and friends to performances and giving tours backstage.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Alvin Henninger and his sister, Dawn La Greca.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy (nee Kroszner) Henninger; his daughters, Laurie Dickerson (and husband Jack), Nancy Grimaldi; his four grandchildren, of whom he was especially proud, Carly Dickerson (and husband Zef Ortegu), Julia Dickerson, Thomas Grimaldi, Christina Grimaldi, as well as his sister, Jill Wallace (and husband Tony).
Relatives and friends were received on Sunday March 5 from 2-5 p.m. at the Ferguson-Vernon Funeral Home, 241 Rt. 94, Vernon, NJ (GPS use 1 Vanderhoof Court). Funeral services are at the funeral home on March 6 at 11 a.m. followed by committal services at Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860 or the Memorial and Endowment Fund at the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, 11-13 Main Street, Franklin, NJ 07416 would be greatly appreciated.