Frank J. Chirico

Frank J. Chirico, Sr, 77, of Milltown, passed away September 25, 2022 at home surrounded by his devoted family following a short illness. Born in New Brunswick to Roberta Blakeney and Michael Chirico, he was a life-long resident of Milltown and a 1964 graduate of NBHS.

During the Vietnam War he served six years in the Army National Guard achieving the rank of Specialist.

For 37 years he worked for Union Carbide retiring in 2001. After his retirement he kept busy working several part time jobs as a driver for Hanna's Florist and Campbell Supply; and as a Custodian of the United Methodist Church at Milltown where he was a parishioner.

Frank volunteered his time in many ways. He was a proud member of Eureka Hose Co. for over 25 years. A long standing Treasurer and Foreman, he was a life member of both the NJ State Exempt Association and the NJ State Firemen's Association. Frank was also a member of Joyce Kilmer Post 25 of the American Legion where for many years he could be found working bingo on Friday nights alongside his good friend Bill Visokay.

Frank enjoyed the years he worked with family members building two houses in PA. He was a devoted family man who cherished the memories made at yearly trips to Hershey Park, the Jersey Shore and glamping in WV. Frank loved classic cars and going to car shows. He was always on the hunt for a muscle car to restore with his buddy Charlie. He loved Nascar and Raceway Park, even racing a few times himself. An amateur artist, he spent his free time drawing, painting and watching Bob Ross with his Jenna.

Frank was an avid NY Giants fan and a season ticket holder for many years. He loved Sunday family dinners, long drives singing to every song on the radio and sitting at the inlet watching the boats pass by.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Jennifer "Cheers" Chirico, his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Erna Chirico, and his nephew Richard Torraca II.

Surviving is his wife of nearly 53 years, Elsie (McLaughlin) Chirico; his son Frank (Lisa) Chirico Jr. of Ankeny Iowa, his daughter Robyn (John) Barnes of Milltown; his grandchildren Jenna and Charlie Barnes of Milltown, and Michael (Laura) Barnes of Lexington, KY; his great grandchildren Micky and Shiloh Barnes; his sisters Kathy (Lenny) Szot of Kinzers, PA, and Michele (Richard) Torraca of Milltown; his sister-in-law Dot DeAngelo and her daughter Dani Micale of Milltown; his godchildren Michael Szot, Elena Iadevaia and Alicia Gamble; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and relatives may call on Thursday, September 29th, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St. at Riva Avenue, Milltown. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Burial Park in East Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Milltown Rescue Squad, PO Box 308, Milltown, in appreciation of their support during the past four months or the Milltown Fire Department, 50 Washington Avenue, Milltown 08850, to honor those who have served and continue to serve. You may sign the online condolence "guestbook" at www.crabiel.com