Francis "Frank" J. Gubernat

Francis “Frank” John Gubernat

Francis “Frank” John Gubernat, 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, godfather, uncle, friend, and teacher transitioned to Eternal Life on November 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. By his own wishes, there will be no viewing; the family will have a Mass of Remembrance in his honor.

The oldest son of Elizabeth (née Chmiel) and Jacob Gubernat, Frank grew up in Newark with his sister Wanda and brother Ted along with many relatives and friends who were bonded together through pride in and devotion to their Polish heritage. He attended Catholic elementary school at St. Casimir’s on Pulaski Street in Newark, followed by four years at East Side High School, Class of 1948. After graduating, he attended the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts where he pursued his passion for art. In 1952, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he was part of a team that designed propaganda flyers that were dropped over enemy lines. His assignments took him to Air Force bases around North America including Sampson (NY), Norfolk Navy Yard (VA), Mountain Home (ID), Great Falls (MT), Webb (TX), and Fort Pepperrell (St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada). After serving his country for four years, he attended Rochester Institute of Technology to study advertising and design. Although he was older than most of the students, he found other servicemen on campus who became his roommates and lifelong friends. During the summers, he returned to Newark and lived with his parents while working for Ballantine Brewery, stacking kegs at night or driving delivery trucks during the day. He graduated from RIT in 1960 with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree.

Through mutual friends, he met and fell in love with Carol Angela Martine; they married on November 12, 1960. They moved to their first home in Colonia where they resided for 44 years, raising daughters Martine and Gabrielle on a small cul-de-sac where neighbors became extended family, even to this day. 

Frank began teaching art classes at Woodbridge High School and later at Colonia High School in 1967, where he spent the majority of his career. He introduced a new, four-year art program to the curriculum; helped design the school’s logo and letterhead; painted murals throughout the building; took on the role of yearbook and literary/arts magazine advisor; designed and built sets for the school plays; and joined a committee to develop their first Teen Arts Festival, which he chaired for three years. He did freelancing work with a yearbook publisher; additionally, he painted portraits of local dignitaries, which led to his appointment by the mayor of Woodbridge to serve as a Commissioner to the new Barron Arts Center. In the evenings, he earned his teaching certification by taking classes at Seton Hall University, Montclair State College, and Trenton State College. He continued his education by earning a Master of Arts in 1968 in mixed media printmaking at Montclair State College, expanding his background with additional courses in jewelry making, pottery, weaving, and sculpture. He earned his Supervisor of Art Education Certification from Seton Hall University. His legacy as a teacher and art enthusiast will continue to inspire the love of art in his students and friends for generations to come. His daughters hope that those who have his artwork in their homes will think of him often and fondly, as do they.

Frank augmented his involvement in the arts through joining several organizations including: the Art Educators of New Jersey, where he was a member of the Executive Committee and worked a the annual statewide conventions; the Artist/Teacher Network, promoting the creative efforts of artists in galleries, corporate offices, state colleges, and museums; Somerset Art Association; Edison Arts Society; Barron Arts Center; The Newark Museum; ARTsee; The Farmstead Group, and Printmaking Council of NJ.  Throughout various periods of his career, he taught drawing and painting at the Woodbridge Adult School, Linden Evening Adult School, Linden Art Association, and Somerset Art Association. His other memberships include the American Legion, the Polish Falcons Nest 104; the Polish Legion of American Veterans, and the Polish Cultural Foundation.

 Frank and Carol moved to Basking Ridge in 2006 to be closer to their daughters. They were devoted grandparents to Benjamin and were extremely proud of the fine young man that Benjamin has become. Throughout their marriage, Carol and Frank enjoyed participating in the arts and music culture, visiting museums, attending Elderhostel and Alumni College events, traveling domestically and internationally, and spending time with family and friends. Physically active and mentally sharp until his last day on earth, he truly epitomized a long life well lived!

We will deeply miss Frank’s vibrant presence, creative spirit, devotion, and deep love for his family and friends, but we are confident that he will live on in spirit through countless people whose lives he touched and who have been enriched by his art. He shared with us his time, talent, and above all his unconditional and never-ending love. Inspired by his beloved wife Carol, his legacy and generosity will also live on through his brain and tissue donation to the Mount Sinai NIH Brain and Tissue Repository, where research into brain diseases will help innumerable others for generations to come. 

Frank is survived by daughters Martine and Gabrielle, grandson Benjamin, daughter-in-law Sue, son-in-law Peter, brother Ted, as well as many nieces and nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Wanda. He filled our lives with love and creativity. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America .