Lucianno, Frank

Frank P. Lucianna of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey lived a life defined by discipline, service, and an extraordinary commitment to the law. Widely known as “the Dean of the New Jersey Criminal Bar,” he practiced criminal defense for an astonishing 71 years, trying more than 100 murder cases and representing thousands of defendants across the state. His career included some of New Jersey’s most well-known cases, including his representation of Richard Kuklinski, known as “The Ice Man.” One of his most significant legal contributions was pioneering the first successful use of battered women’s syndrome as a defense in New Jersey, securing a full acquittal for Dorothy Rapp. His commanding courtroom presence, sharp cross-examinations, and emotionally powerful sentencing arguments became legendary, often moving juries and courtroom observers alike. In the Bergen County Courthouse, he was regarded as an institution and took great pride in mentoring younger attorneys. Lucianna’s sense of duty extended beyond his legal career. During World War II, he served as a sergeant with the 459th Bombardment Group as a flight maintenance gunner, earning numerous commendations, including four Bronze Battle Stars, the Air Medal, and a Presidential Citation. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fordham College in 1948 and his law degree from Fordham Law School in 1951, launching a career that never slowed. He remained active in practice at Lucianna & Lucianna in Hackensack well into his late nineties, continuing to drive himself to work daily. An avid distance runner and lifelong athlete, he received the Bergen County Bar Association Lifetime Achievement Award at age 89, even though he had never retired. Above all, Frank Lucianna valued his family, his faith, his country, and the law. He shared 67 years of marriage with his wife, Dolores, and was a devoted father to his daughters Diane and Nancy, and a proud grandfather to Elizabeth and Derek Wafer. His life and career left an enduring mark on New Jersey’s legal community and on all those who had the privilege of learning from him.