Our hearts are heavy with grief. It is with profound sadness that the family of Frank Provenzano announces the devastating news of his passing on June 26, 2024 at the age of 80.

A natural and charismatic leader with a kind word and beaming smile for all who crossed his path, Frank was a pillar in our community and served as a career law enforcement officer with honor and distinction for over five decades. After many years as a police officer with the Bridgewater Police Department, Frank retired in 2001 at the rank of Captain. His retirement was short-lived, however, as once again he answered the call of duty when he was asked to throw his hat into the political arena and run for the position of Sheriff of Somerset County.

As the highest and only publicly elected law enforcement official in the county, Frank won by a landslide and devoted another 18 years of faithful public service. Among his many distinguished accomplishments, Frank was a trained Search & Rescue Diver and crisis negotiator. As Sheriff, he oversaw the daily operations of the Law Enforcement Division, Bureau of Criminal Identification, Corrections and Warrants Divisions, Somerset County Courthouse, Somerset County Jail, Sheriff Sales, School Resource Officers, and the Gang & Terrorism Intelligence Unit. He formed Special Response Teams and created programs like the K9 Unit, Project Lifesaver, RX Drop-off, and HERO for designated drivers. He was a member of the Justice & Public Safety Committee, Youth Services Commission, Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Law Enforcement Education Committee, NJ Association of Crisis Negotiators, and the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee. You'll often hear police officers say that law enforcement is not a job; it's a calling. Clearly this was Frank's calling and after serving six consecutive terms in public office, he retired as Sheriff in 2019.

Frank lived a full life beyond the badge as well. A fan of football, fishing, and beautiful sunsets at the Jersey Shore, he was more than just an accomplished leader. Frank was a bold crusader, an esteemed colleague, a trusted mentor, and a treasured friend to countless people far and wide. Frank was an avid golfer and was a Master Clubmaker. He could often be heard sharing news and updates about his children and grandchildren and if you met him once, you felt like you gained a new friend for life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin and will be deeply and forever missed by his wife Lou Ann (Sterlacci), son Frank and his wife Cassandra, son John and wife Sherri, daughter Gina and wife Alisa, granddaughters Kelly, Skyler and Amanda, grandson Logan, sister Anna Columbus, Mayor of Branchburg, sister JoAnn and husband Frank Marfino, sister-in-law Marylou and husband Mike Brunton, sister-in-law Michele and husband Steve Havran and sister-in-law Joni Sterlacci, and all his extended family.

He is predeceased by his daughter Debbie. The world has grown a little dimmer without Frank in it and his infectious energy, booming voice, and big bright smile will forever be missed until we meet again one day.

After living a life committed to public safety and justice, it's only fitting that the palpable sense of loss we feel with Frank's passing is a collective grief shared by the vast community in which he so proudly served and enriched. It is with this in mind that we wish to sincerely thank all who have reached out with loving words of prayer and sympathy.

Donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation – T2T.ORG

Services will be held at Branchburg Funeral Home, Route 202, Branchburg NJ on July 9th from 2-7 pm and July 10th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Interment will be private.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bongiovi Funeral Home of Raritan, NJ (908)-725-1887, utilizing the Branchburg Funeral Home facility for viewing on Tuesday and Wednesday.