A first-time author at 98

Former Union City resident, WWII vet to share novel

Frank L. Golon, Sr., one of the oldest first-time writers to ever be published, will be signing copies of his book “Johnny Romanek: The Start of An Era” shortly after the conclusion of the Jersey City Veteran’s Day parade, on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. at City Hall, 280 Grove St., Jersey City.
Written over a nearly 40-year period, the book is a fictional account of a N.J-based man named Johnny Romanek and his experience as a World War II veteran, N.J. union leader and civil rights advocate.
Born in 1918 in Mountainview, he spent several years living in Union City, Edgewater, Midland Park, Bergenfield and Whitehouse Station.
In addition to serving in World War II under General George S. Patton’s army, he was instrumental in bringing unions to Ford Motor Company, where he worked for several decades.
He was married to Anna Golon for 72 years and had three children with her. His eldest son, Wayne L. Golon, was killed in 1968 at the age of 23 while serving in the Vietnam War.
Frank also was active in the Civil Rights movement and participated in the Selma to Montgomery freedom march.
After living in New Jersey most of his life, he now resides in Fort Myers, Fla. “Johnny Romanek: The Start of an Era” is Frank’s first book and he’s working on several others.
Hudson County Freeholder Bill O’Dea, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and others also will be in attendance.

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