Raritan - Francesco “Frank” Marago died peacefully at home on December 17, 2023. Frank was born in Pizzo, Reggio di Calabria, Italy. Before moving to the United States, Frank served in the Italian Navy and then worked as a maritime firefighter for several years in the commercial shipping industry. In 1966, Frank met and married the love of his life, Maria, emigrated to the United States and began his pursuit of the American dream. Without speaking or writing the English language, Frank relied on his natural intelligence to attend and graduate from machinist school while simultaneously working several jobs to support his growing family. Frank’s work ethic was legendary, as were his gardening skills. Frank’s vegetable garden was his labor of love and was envied the neighborhood through. Frank was particularly proud of the home that he and Maria designed and had custom-built for their family.

Frank loved to socialize and made friends wherever he went. Many people enjoyed talking with Frank during his daily walks around town. Among Frank’s favorite activities were meeting every morning with his closest friends for espresso at the Italian Bakery in Raritan and taking in almost any televised sporting event. Frank was an avid soccer, New York Giants football, New York Mets baseball, New York Rangers hockey and New Jersey Devils hockey fan. Most of all, though, Frank cherished spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Frank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maria, two sons, Pasquale “Pat,” his wife Carey and Antonio “Tony,” his wife, Justina, seven grandchildren; Analisa, Victoria, Olivia, Liliana, Ryan, Alexandra and Riley, brothers Teodoro and Giuseppe, sisters Lina and Nunzia, many nieces and nephews, a large extended family and innumerable friends. Frank was predeceased by his newborn son, Pasquale, his brother Onofrio and his parents, Pasquale and Anna.

A viewing will take place on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 4 PM - 8 PM; Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 8:30 - 9:15 at Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ.  Funeral Mass will take place at 10 AM at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, 45 Anderson Street, Raritan.  Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery, 551 Route 28, Bridgewater.

                                                          "FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS"