Siamo qui di passaggio 

We are just passing through

Francesco Ingrao, 82, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 5, 1943 in Castellammare del Golfo, Francesco was the beloved son of the late Marianna (nee Farina) and Matteo Ingrao.

He bravely immigrated to this country from Castellammare del Golfo Sicily with nothing but the American dream in his spirit. He settled in Williamsburg Brooklyn where he opened his first pizzeria. He eventually moved on to New Jersey to open additional restaurants in Ocean, Monmouth, and Somerset Counties.

Francesco Ingrao lived a remarkable life and left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone he encountered. Armed with an engaging charisma and a charming sense of humor, he made you feel like the only person in the room.

Despite his success, his greatest joy was his family. He loved his family fiercely and selflessly. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

He was a passionate cook and loved making pizza and bread for his children and grandchildren. He even made his own olive oil from olives cultivated on his farm in Sicily.  He enjoyed cheering for the New York Yankees, following Italian Soccer, spending time in nature and in his hometown in Sicily creating lasting memories with those he loved most.

He had a strong connection to nature. He loved growing flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees. He loved animals of all kinds.

During his retirement, he enjoyed traveling back to his cherished hometown in Sicily where he tended his farm and boated in the Mediterranean with his friends and family.

On his journey passing through Francesco lived his life on his own terms, left a legacy for his children, and passed away peacefully surrounded by the warm embrace of his loving family. 

Francesco is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his children, Matteo (Mayra), Giuseppe (Christine), Luciano (Monika), and Marianne; and his treasured grandchildren, Isabella, Sarah, Francesco, and Carmine. He is also survived by his brother, Leonardo (Benedetta) Ingrao of Sicily; his sister Giacoma Buccellato and Giovanna (Mario) Longo, also of Sicily; his sister-in-law, Severina Ingrao; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Luciano and Salvatore; and his sisters, Caterina and Pietra.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bongiovi Funeral Home, utilizing the facilities at Branchburg Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm and again on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:00am-10:15am.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11am at The Catholic Church of St. Ann.

Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery at 12:15pm.

Francesco will be remembered for his strength, kindness, devotion to family, and the joy he brought to everyone through his cooking, laughter and love. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

*Forever in Our Hearts*

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital  https://www.stjude.org/.