Francis X. Tepedino

Francis Xavier Tepedino 

January 9, 1947 – May 2, 2026

Francis Xavier Tepedino, known to nearly everyone as Frank — and to those closest to him as Tepy — passed peacefully into the arms of his heavenly Father on May 2, 2026, after a courageous three-and-a-half-month battle following a tragic accident. On his way to the gym in the early morning hours, he was struck by a reckless driver who ran a red light — a senseless act that cut short a life lived with quiet dedication and joy. He was taken unexpectedly and far too soon, and the loss of him has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who loved him.

Frank was born on January 9, 1947, to Ernest Anthony Tepedino and Catherine Bennet in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Kingsborough Community College and built a distinguished career as an electrical engineer, retiring after more than 40 years of devoted service.

He found his greatest happiness in life's simple pleasures: a good meal, his morning trips to the gym, an evening of bowling, and above all, time spent with family and friends.

Frank met his wife, Susan Petrizzo, through their mutual friend Theresa DeFazio — but it was only after a failed blind date and years apart that they found their way back to each other. They married in 1973, and he lovingly transplanted his Brooklyn girl to Somerset, New Jersey, where they had two daughters, Kathryn and Kristin. His career later took the whole family on an extraordinary adventure: nearly four years living in Rome, Italy, where Frank and Susan raised their daughters amid the history, food, and warmth of the Italian capital. The family eventually returned and settled in Branchburg, New Jersey, where Frank lived happily in the home he so loved.

Frank was the glue that held his family together — a man of endless patience, an unshakeable positive attitude, and a kind, easygoing nature that put everyone around him at ease. Humble and selfless to his core, he never sought recognition or praise while putting the needs of others before his own. He was their rock, utterly dependable, and he showed his love in the quiet, steady way he cared for his family every single day. As a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and great uncle, his dedication was unwavering — his family always came first, and everyone who knew him felt the warmth and security that came from having Frank in their corner.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his daughters, Kathryn and Kristin; son-in-law Thomas; grandchildren Juliette and Sienna; brother-in-law Frank; sister-in-law Michele; nieces Camille and Rosemarie; nephew Frank; great niece Lina; and great nephews Carmine and James. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Catherine, many cherished friends and relatives, including his dear cousin Joey Lisa who recently passed, and his beloved animal companions — his dog, Prince, and Missy, a stray cat he rescued from Italy.
He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Frank's name to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter or a food pantry of your choice. Like his namesake St. Francis of Assisi, Frank had a soft spot for animals — and anyone who knew him also knows he would never want anyone to go hungry.

Private arrangements were in the care of Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 East Main St, Bridgewater, NJ.

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