Leah, Jr., Frank age 86 of Wayne at rest in Wayne on March 26, 2026. Beloved husband of sixty two years to Frances C. (nee Agosto) of Wayne. Loving father of Kathy Kozell and her husband Tom of Pequannock and Frank J. Leah of Wayne. Dear grandfather of T.J. Kozell and his husband Michael of Newburgh, NY and Allie Kozell and her Husband Dan Collins of Frederick, MD. Brother of the late Robert "Bob" Leah. Uncle of Mary Lou Leah and Robert Leah. Born in Paterson, Frank was raised in Verona before moving to Totowa and West Paterson. Frank has been living in Wayne since 1986.

In his early life, Frank joined the Boy Scouts of America, marking the beginning of his life of service. His dedication over the years allowed him to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

Frank was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, serving for six years. Attached to the 7th Rifle Company in Dover, New Jersey, he attained the rank of Private First Class. From 1958 to 1959, he completed a six-month tour of active-duty training with the 1st Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 

Frank became a Mason in 1968 and was eventually elected Master of the Lodge. He then joined the Scottish Rite, achieving the title of 32nd Degree Mason, before fulfilling his dream of becoming a Shriner. Through his hard work, dedication, passion, and unmatched charisma, he was elected as the 91st Potentate of Salaam Temple in 1995. That same year, he was selected as Grand Marshal in the Livingston Memorial Day parade.

Upon joining the Shriners, Frank entered the Clown Unit, debuting his various personas. He flourished in his roles of "King of the Road", "Kracker the Clown", and his favorite, "Flower the Clown" in the Shiners circus to raise money for the Shriners Hospital for Children. Frank often took his clowns directly to the hospital, eager to bring smiles and laughter to as many people as he could. His involvement with the hospital didn't end when the makeup came off, as Frank was a Board member of the Shriners Hospital for Children for many years. Clowning wasn't simply a persona that Frank played, it was his true nature. Frank brought wit, humor, and levity to his everyday life; he could talk to anyone, and they would leave the conversation with a smile on their face.

In addition to his achievements as a volunteer, Frank owned the Sunoco gas station in the center of Totowa starting in 1961, launching his career as an entrepreneur. He founded Frank Leah Garage, Inc. and Frank Leah Towing Service before building his own shop in 1970. Both of his companies are now carried on by his son, Frank. His businesses are a staple of his community to this day, and Frank was a true icon in Totowa Borough for over half a century and will forever be a legened in the Towing community.

Frank had a passion for wild birds. He adored filling his countless bird feeders and scattering seed in his yard with his weekly, BJs-sized bag of birdseed. After calling them with a whistle, the birds would swoop in to enjoy the feast Frank left them. Frank was an animal lover, through and through, with a soft spot for German Shepherds. He owned many dogs, cats, and critters throughout his life and eventually passed down his love of animals, bringing him his cherished "grandpuppies" and "great-grandpuppies".

Frank lived as an exemplary family-man. He and his wife, Fran, were a team. They worked together to run their business and family with immense love and dedication. Their partnership was a pillar that grounded the family and will continue to stand as an inspiration to his children and grandchildren. They worked hard to instill their values that will be passed down for generations. Frank thrived as a grandfather and was an integral part of his grandchildren's childhoods. He leaves them with countless fond memories such as being picked up from school in the flatbed, racing hot wheels, constructing new hairdos for him in the hot tub, and so many more. Frank was adored by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him and leaves behind a glorious legacy of love and laughter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd,. Totowa, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Friends may visit on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Donations in Frank's memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital at loveshriners.org and/or Angels of Animals Inc. at angelsofanimals.org.