Frank Priore, Former Mayor Who Coined 'Pride In Parsippany,' Dies At 73

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Former Parsippany Mayor Frank Priore, who coined the term "Pride In Parsippany," died Monday at age 73. Priore held the office from 1982-94 before he was convicted of bribery, mail fraud and other charges.

But following his sentence, he remained a local political presence in Parsippany, inspiring other candidates. Township Council Member Justin Musella called Priore "larger than life."

"In every conversation with him I found a man who loved this town and knew every aspect of it," Musella wrote on social media. "During my campaign, he would often check in on me and was a source of support. Frank always encouraged me to knock on that extra door no matter how tired I was. I truly will miss the real moments we shared talking about politics and life."

Several people shared positive memories of Priore on social media.

The former mayor was accused in 1992 of receiving $5,100 in improper payments from the township dental plan to pay for himself, his daughter and his girlfriend, according to Parsippany Focus. He was convicted in 1994 of 20 counts of mail fraud, bribery, extortion and obstruction of justice.

Following a five-year sentence in federal prison, Priore opened a photography business, according to Insider NJ. He even attended a fundraiser a few months ago for Musella — then a candidate — who was elected in November, Insider NJ says.

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