Obituary of Francis J. Stricchiola, Sr.

Francis "Frank" J. Stricchiola, Sr., a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, May 15, 2023 at his home. He was 92.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dolores “Dee” Stricchiola (née Cerullo); one daughter, Marie Phillips and her husband Joel Phillips, Sr.; two sons, Frank John Stricchiola, Jr. and his wife Clara & James Stricchiola and his wife Michelle; one sister, Mildred Angelillo; his cherished grandchildren, Frank John Stricchiola III and his wife Dana, Gina Barlotta and her husband Joseph, Kami Schneider and her husband Ryan, Joel Phillips, Jr., Monica Scalia and her husband Marco, Michaela Stricchiola, Braeden Stricchiola & Cuyler Stricchiola; four great-grandchildren, Frankie, Layla, Gianna & Stella; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his siblings, Lucy Lepore, Vito Stricchiola, Julia Artigliere, Constance “Connie” Ramunni & Joseph Stricchiola. 

Frank was born in Millburn, NJ on June 25, 1930 to the late Joseph and Mary Stricchiola. He was raised near Easton, PA on the Stricchiola family farm, the youngest of seven children. Growing up during the Great Depression, Frank understood the value of family and learned the importance of hard work at a young age. 

During the Korean War Frank enlisted in the United States Navy to do his part. He was trained as pipefitter and welder, building and repairing submarines for the Navy. Frank had a deep respect for veterans for the rest of his life. 

Frank married his beloved wife Dolores on November 3, 1957 and the couple settled in Madison in the home that Frank and his father proudly built. Frank and Dee welcomed three children into their young family. 

Frank began his career as a police officer with the Madison Police Department in 1956 as a patrolman. Throughout the course of his three decades of service to the Madison community he was promoted to detective, detective sergeant and lieutenant. Frank also served as a juvenile officer for several years and was responsible for the design and construction of the Madison Police Training Range, which is named after him. He was a firearms instructor and talented gunsmith as well.  

Frank was an incredible father and grandfather. He was happiest when he was spending time surrounded by his family. 

Frank was also a man of many talents and a true artisan. He was a skilled woodworker, builder and mason. He was able to take on any project and do an outstanding job from start to finish. Frank was an avid gardener and he loved to cook for his family. He was an outdoorsman and even in his advanced age, Frank exercised regularly and took care of himself.

Frank was an incredible man who lived a life of service to others, and his legacy will live on for generations. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and every life he touched.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation on Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, NJ.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 prior to a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr RC Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison, NJ. Those who wish to attend the mass virtually may do so by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment with military honors will follow at St. Vincent's Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306