Anna Marie Bancale

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anna Marie Bancale (nee Longaker), age 64 of Sussex, NJ.

Anna passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.  Anna was born in Paterson, raised in Wayne, and was one of four children to George and Anna Longaker.  She attended Wayne Hills High School where she excelled in Mathematics.  While a student at Wayne Hills, Anna was a Statistician for the Wayne Hills High School Wrestling Team, compiling player and team statistics throughout the wrestling season.  Following her graduation from Wayne Hills with the class of 1978, she attended Stevens Institute of Technology where she earned her Bachelor’ of Science Degree in 1982.  After earning her bachelor's degree with exceptional grades, she wasted no time diving deeper into her field of interest. She enrolled in the master's program in Programming and Electrical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, eager to expand her expertise and tackle more complex challenges. 

Anna found employment quickly and accepted a position as a computer engineer at Singer-Kearfott Guidance and Navigation in Wayne NJ.  After several years, Anna left Singer- Kearfott and took a position as a Computer Engineer for ITT in Clifton where she worked for many years. Later she was a Program Manager and Project Technical Lead Engineer and Software Engineer.  She was also a Systems / Software Engineer for DHPC Technologies for three years and later a Systems / Software Engineer for Peraton Labs in Morris County, New Jersey. 

Anna's career as a software engineer stands as a testament to her remarkable skills and unwavering dedication. While working with the previously mentioned companies, each of which secured crucial defense contracts, she played a pivotal role in developing advanced technologies that significantly enhanced battlefield safety. Her expertise in software engineering contributed to innovations that not only advanced military capabilities but also directly saved the lives of US soldiers.  Anna’s career spanned more than forty years and was truly loved and respected by her clients and colleagues.  Her unique entrepreneurial spirit motivated her to create her own company Logic Applied Computer Engineering.

In 1975, Anna’s cousin Ernie introduced her to his best friend, a man by the name of Brian Bancale.  Anna and Brian hit it off wonderfully and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on August 14, 1982 Anna and Brian exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife.  The newlyweds settled in Sussex, NJ and have been there ever since. 

One of Anna’s favorite pastimes was Bobbin Lace.  Anna found a unique and calming joy in the intricate art. In her free time, she would often set up her lace-making tools and immerse herself in the delicate process of weaving threads into elaborate patterns.  Anna was also dedicated to her Christian Faith, volunteering as a Youth Leader at the Assembly of God Church.  She cherished boating during the summer with her husband Brian in Belmar at the Jersey Shore every weekend for the last thirteen years.  Anna always made sure she was out in the sun whether she was on the boat or on the beach. 

Anna had a keen sense of style and an understanding of the impact of first impressions.  Before stepping out of the house, she meticulously handpicked her outfit and ensured her appearance was polished and put-together whether it was a professional meeting or a casual outing.  

Aside from all her talents, interests and hobbies, nothing in the world meant more to Anna than spending time with her family and friends and her precious Chinese Crested Powder Puff, “Lacey”.  Anna will be forever remembered as a devoted wife who cherished forty- one years of loving and loyal marriage to her husband Brian, and as a truly loving daughter, and sister, aunt, great aunt and cousin. 

Anna is survived by her husband Brian Bancale of Sussex, NJ, her mother Anna Longaker of Wayne, NJ, two brothers; George Woodrow Longaker, Jr. and his wife Beth of York Haven, PA, and John Lincoln Frank Longaker and his wife Gretchen of Newfoundland, NJ, one sister Lillian Nancy Jennings and her husband Frank of Sparrowbush, NY. She was predeceased by her father George Woodrow Longaker, Sr.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that you honor Anna Marie by making a donation to the Society of Women Engineers. She exemplified the impact of women pursuing engineering careers in the STEM field.