It is a very sad day in the township of North Bergen, as Mayor Nick Sacco and the Board of Commissioners mourn the passing of former Commissioner Frank J. Gargiulo, a decorated Army veteran, legendary athlete, visionary educator, and devoted public servant whose extraordinary contributions helped shape North Bergen and Hudson County for generations.
“Frank Gargiulo was truly one of a kind,” said Mayor Sacco. “For decades, I had the privilege of serving alongside a man whose dedication to education and public service was unmatched. Frank helped transform the lives of thousands of young people through his visionary leadership of the Hudson County Schools of Technology, while also devoting nearly four decades to the people of North Bergen. He was a trusted colleague, a respected leader, and a dear friend. His impact on our community and our county cannot be measured, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. On behalf of the Township of North Bergen, I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Gargiulo family and to all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy released the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Frank J. Gargiulo. Frank was a true gentleman, an educator at heart, and someone who dedicated his life to serving the people of Hudson County and uplifting generations of students as an Assemblyman, Commissioner in North Bergen, and Superintendent of Schools for the Hudson County Schools of Technology.
I had the privilege of serving on the Board with him for more than a decade, and during that time I witnessed firsthand the passion and care he brought to education every single day. He loved his students and faculty deeply, knowing many of them by name. His leadership, vision, and dedication are why High Tech High School, the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus, bears his name and legacy.
Frank was also a mentor and confidant to many, including myself. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to public service left a lasting impact on all who knew him. I extend my deepest condolences to his children, Frank, Vincent, Eugenia, and Natalie, his grandchildren, and the entire Gargiulo family during this difficult time. Hudson County has lost a tremendous leader, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.”
For more than five decades, Gargiulo dedicated his life to serving others. After attaining the rank of Lieutenant in the United States Army, he embarked on a distinguished career in education and public service that touched the lives of countless students, families, and residents.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame who attended the prestigious institution after earning a full scholarship as a star football player, Gargiulo also earned master’s degrees from Seton Hall University and Columbia University. Following time spent as a teacher, football coach and later Principal at the former St. Joseph High School in West New York, Gargiulo spent nearly three decades with the Hudson County Schools of Technology, first as a principal and later as Superintendent of Schools. Under his leadership, High Tech High School and County Prep High School expanded into full-time vocational high schools, while Explore 2000 Middle School became New Jersey’s first vocational middle school. During his tenure, High Tech and County Prep earned national recognition from Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report as two of America’s Best High Schools. In recognition of his transformative impact on education, the district’s state-of-the-art campus in Secaucus proudly bears his name.
Gargiulo’s commitment to public service extended well beyond the classroom. A former member of the New Jersey General Assembly, he was first elected to the North Bergen Board of Commissioners in 1989 and faithfully served the residents of the township for 34 years, including as Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW), before retiring from office earlier in 2023. He also continued his lifelong dedication to education and community service as a trustee of Hudson County Community College.
In 2022, Gargiulo was named North Bergen’s Veteran of the Year, recognizing not only his military service but also his decades of commitment to improving the lives of others.
“As DPW Commissioner, I am honored to continue the hard work and dedication to the department that Commissioner Gargiulo started and will continue all his accomplishments throughout my tenure,” said DPW Commissioner Anthony Vainieri Jr. “On behalf of the entire Department of Public Works, we offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.”
The Township of North Bergen joins residents throughout Hudson County in honoring and remembering a remarkable man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others. His legacy will endure for generations to come.
Funeral arrangements will be announced as they become available.