Measure Renaming Oakland Post Office After WWII Vet Passes House

OAKLAND, NJ — Frank Leone was a part of what some have called The Greatest Generation. An important step was recently taken to make sure his name will not be forgotten.

Leone's family gas worked for four years to get the post office at 332 Ramapo Valley Road designated the Frank Leone Post Office. The U.S House of Representatives passed the bipartisan "Frank Leone Post Office Act" Thursday. Now the measure heads to the Senate.

"I have the joy of being Frank’s wife for 60 years. Truth be told, his funeral was on our 60th wedding anniversary," Leone's widow, Ellen said in a statement. "I cannot think of any bigger honor for Frank than to have his name mentioned with Oakland in the same breath."

(See related: Oakland Post Office Could Be Renamed In Vet's Honor)

Leone was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was appointed postmaster of the Oakland Post Officer in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, a position he held for 48 years. He died Sept. 7, 2014 at age 87.

After returning home, Leone moved to Oakland with his wife. In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him postmaster of the Oakland Post Office. Leone was the last providentially appointed postmaster in New Jersey.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat representing New Jersey's 5th Congressional District, spearheaded getting the legislation approved.

"To me, there is no commitment more sacred than the one to those who have bravely served our nation. Today marked a major step forward in honoring of one of these brave veterans, longtime Oakland resident, postmaster, and Fire Chief Frank Leone," Gottheimer said. "I’m proud to celebrate and recognize Frank’s life. North Jersey veterans deserve any assistance they need after valiantly serving their country."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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