Frank E. Ravenna

    MATAWAN — Frank E. Ravenna, 73, died Dec. 19 at Madison Health Care Center, Old Bridge.
    Born in the Bronx, N.Y., Mr. Ravenna resided in Flushing, Queens, N.Y., before moving to Matawan in 1962.
    He worked as a computer engineer for AT&T in Newark for 38 years. He became director of research and development, working on the Mercury Mission, and he was honored with a plaque for his participation.
    He sang in the St. Clement Choir for many years. His most notable achievement was passing his Mariners Exam and becoming a licensed captain. After his first wife, Mary Ann Ravenna, was diagnosed with Leukemia, Mr. Ravenna became involved with Leukemia research and worked closely with Dr. James Holland of Mt. Sinai in New York City.
    Mr. Ravenna is survived by his wife of 24 years, Rosemary Ravenna of Matawan; three daughters, Germaine Ravenna-
    Malone of Boca Raton, Fla., Victoria Ravenna of Matawan and Diane McGovern of Allentown; four grandchildren, Andrew Francis McGovern, Thomas Christopher McGovern, Samantha Mary Ann McGovern, and Victoria Rose McGovern; one sister, Elaine Reiger; one niece, Regina Imperiale, and one nephew, Michael Imperiale; three stepchildren, David Konta, Erin Konta Leibensperger and Elizabeth Tromontozzi; and three step-grandchildren, Alison and Ryan Leibensperger and Anthony Tromontozzi.
    Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Benedict Church, Holmdel, for a memorial Mass, and interment will follow in St. Gabriel Cemetery, Marlboro.
    Memorial contributions may be made to Care Alternatives Hospice, 70 Jackson Drive, Suite 200, Cranford, NJ 07016, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.
    Arrangements are under the direction of Waitt-Nelms Funeral Home, 501 Highway 79, Morganville. Online condolences can be sent in his name via www.waittnelmsfh.com.