Neal Friedenthal

Neal Friedenthal, age 74 years, of Ringoes, NJ, passed away on Tuesday morning, September 24, 2024, at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Neptune, NJ, July 6, 1950, he was the son of the late Bernard and Helen (Kidder) Friedenthal. He had formerly grown up and resided in Milltown, NJ, before moving to Ringoes, NJ in 1977, where he had lived ever since.

A graduate of New Brunswick High School, Neal went on to work in various fields that interested him, which included photography, sales, and travel. He was the former owner and operator of the Princeton Camera Center as well as a salesman at Le Camera in the Lawrenceville, NJ area with a special focus on Leica. Additionally, he was the proprietor of J & F Safari Co., leading safaris to Africa.

In his spare time, Neal was an American Civil War historian and enthusiast. He was a longstanding member and past commander (from 1989-1999), of the 15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry (NJVI), participating in historical reenactments, parades, displays, and musket and artillery competitions. He appeared in the film “Gettysburg” as an extra and worked on set as an artillery safety officer. He was a member of the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) since 1975 and instrumental in changing the organization’s by-laws to allow women to become members—one of his proudest achievements.

Some of his other hobbies included photography, classic cars, especially classic Land Rovers, and traveling the world to places like Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania, China, Peru, Scotland, and many more. His family will remember him as someone who was a fantastic storyteller, with a sharp wit, and a great sense of humor.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of thirty-six years, Diane M. (Twardowski) Friedenthal, who died in 2014.

Surviving are his children, Lora Friedenthal of Jersey City, NJ and Owen Friedenthal of Ringoes, NJ; his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Ruthie Friedenthal of East Windsor, NJ; as well as his sister-in-law, Christine Twardowski of Flemington, NJ, sister-in-law, Theodora Krantz of Lambertville, NJ, and brother-in-law, Nathan Twardowski also of Flemington, NJ.

Cremation services and arrangements are private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. A celebration of his life will be announced at the discretion and convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Neal’s memory may be made to the American Battlefield Trust, 1156 15th St NW Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005 or the 15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, 438 Quakertown Road, Flemington, NJ 08822.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.holcombefisher.com.