Hardyston Councilman Frank Cicerale dies

Hardyston Township Councilman Frank Cicerale, an 11-year member of the Township Council and a public official who served the township for more than 30 years, died July 7 at Morristown Medical Center with his family by his side.

He was 80 years old.

Cicerale began his public service in 1995 with the Hardyston Municipal Utility Authority, where he served for more than 30 years, including 14 years as chairman. He also served on the township’s Economic Development Commission from 1996 to 2001.

He joined the Township Council in 2012 after being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of Councilman Ken Kievit. Voters later elected him to full terms in 2014, 2020 and 2023. During his tenure, he served as both mayor and deputy mayor.

“I have known Frank since just about 2000 when I moved to Hardyston,” said Hardyston Mayor Stanley Kula. “In 2002, I joined the Municipal Utilities Authority and Frank was a member, so I had the opportunity to work with him for just about 25 years. Working with him on township council was great because he related to the community and came into every meeting providing feedback after talking with neighbors and residents about their concerns. He was a logical person whose opinion I valued greatly. Frank will be greatly missed.”

Process to fill council and ballot vacancies

Cicerale’s passing has left openings on both the council and November ballot.

“State regulations govern the process for filling Councilman Cicerale’s vacant seat for the remainder of his unexpired term as well as replacing him as a candidate on the general election ballot in November,” Hardyston Township Manager/Planner Carrine Piccolo-Kaufer said July 10.

To fill the vacancy, according to Piccolo-Kaufer, the Republican Municipal Committee must provide the names of three nominees to the governing body within 15 days of Councilman Cicerale’s death. The council then has to appoint one of the nominees as his successor within 30 days. If the council fails to make an appointment within the specified time frame, the Republican Municipal Committee shall make the appointment within the next 15 days. The appointee shall serve until the end of the unexpired term, Dec. 31. 2026.

Cicerale and Councilman Brian Kaminski won the June 2 Republican primary for their council seats.

“As the primary nominee, Councilman Cicerale must be replaced on the ballot for the general election,” said Piccolo-Kaufer. “The candidate shall be selected by the members of the Republican County Committee who represent the Hardyston Township Election Districts. This selection must be made no later than the 54th day preceding the general election (Sept. 10). The Board of Elections has requested the statement of selection to fill the nomination on the ballot be submitted by Aug. 27.