Both of Frank Pallone's sons went into public service
WASHINGTON -- Frank J. Pallone, father of U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. and Long Branch council member John Pallone, died Sunday at the Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch. He was 92.
"My dad always believed that public service was the highest calling and he absolutely led by example," the congressman said Monday. "As a soldier and a police officer, my father not only taught us, but showed us that serving others was the greatest honor. He will be dearly missed."
The elder Pallone was a longtime Democratic committeeman in Monmouth County and active in the Long Branch Democratic Party. He also served on the Long Branch school board.
A World War II veteran, he was a Long Branch police sergeant, a volunteer fireman, and a first aid squad member. After retiring from the police force, he worked as an investigator for the New Jersey Racing Commission and the state Department of Law and Public Safety.
Besides his two sons, Pallone was survived by his sister, Mary Viracola, and four grandchildren.
Mourning the passing of my dad, Frank Pallone Sr., who always believed that public service was the highest calling. https://t.co/0bc09ur4Ee
-- Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) February 8, 2016
Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.