Franklyn H. Dennis

Franklyn H. Dennis ObituaryIt is with deep sorrow that the family of Franklyn H. Dennis announces his passing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 93.
Born on August 2, 1932, in Long Branch, NJ and a lifelong resident of West Long Branch, Frank lived a life of service. After graduating from Long Branch High School, he attended the University of Rochester before enlisting in the United States Army. As a Sgt E-5, Frank served his country with distinction, first stationed in Huntsville, Alabama, where he also attended the University of Alabama. He was later stationed and taught at Fort Monmouth, NJ, and upon his discharge, Frank began a long and fulfilling career with the United States Department of the Army as a technical writer and editor. In 1961 while on assignment in California, he met and married Linda L. Hefferin in 1963, and convinced her to move to New Jersey. He would go on to become a Logistics Management Specialist and Project Manager, contributing to significant technological advancements in defense systems. Notably, Frank was a pioneer in the development of night vision goggles and sensors used during the Vietnam War and played an instrumental role in creating sensors to protect athletes at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
Frank's passion for trains began in childhood, when he spent summers with his grandparents in Barnegat, NJ, watching the trains pass by. This early fascination blossomed into a lifelong hobby, which included photographing trains, riding them around the country and abroad, and building meticulous model train layouts. His love for trains was matched by his commitment to the community. Frank followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a lifelong volunteer at West Long Branch Borough Chemical and Truck Company No. 1. He served as Fire Chief and remained an active member until the age of 80. His contributions to the fire service extended beyond his local community; Frank was a published photographer, with many of his images capturing the heroic efforts of firemen and the power and beauty of trains.
In addition to his work and hobbies, Frank was an educator, sharing his expertise as an adjunct professor in Fire Science at Ocean County College after his retirement. He also served as a volunteer at the Allaire State Park Railroad and as a Museum Docent at the Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center and Hindenburg Disaster Memorial. Frank was a lifelong traveler, visiting every U.S. state, Canadian province, and many countries throughout Europe and beyond. His travels were always a chance to experience the world through the lens of his passions, whether riding trains or visiting firehouses and exchanging patches with fellow firefighters.
Franklyn was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. and Charlotte B. Dennis, and his beloved granddaughter Isabella "Bella" DiResta. He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Linda (Hefferin), daughters Beth (Thomas) DiResta and Jennifer (Joseph) Palumbo, and grandchildren Alexander and William DiResta, and Charlotte and Andrew Palumbo.
Visitation will be from 10 am until the service at noon on Saturday at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in West Long Branch.
A man of integrity, kindness, and quiet strength, Frank lived a life dedicated to his family, his country, and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to WLB Borough Chemical and Truck
Company No. 1, PO Box 85, West Long Branch, NJ 07764, Tunnel to Towers https://t2t.org/ or to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation https://www.rettsyndrome.org/get-involved/donate/. For condolences please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Franklyn H. Dennis announces his passing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 93.
Born on August 2, 1932, in Long Branch, NJ and a lifelong resident of West Long Branch, Frank lived a life of service. After graduating from Long Branch High School, he attended the University of Rocheste