Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Calls outside of office hours? No worries! Our team will respond within 10–15 minutes.
January 28, 2017
Services
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from the funeral home then to Annunciation RC Church, 45 Urban Club Road, Wayne where a 10:00 AM Mass will be offered.
Dr. Frank Armenio, age 89, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
Born and raised in Cattolica Eraclea in Sicily, Italy, he and his wife Marjorie moved to Wayne in 1961, where they raised their family and resided to the present time.
Dr. Armenio earned his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Parma in Italy. He ran an analytical laboratory for Harmon Colors of Haledon, NJ for thirty-three years, retiring in 1994.
Frank and his wife Marjorie were founding parishioners of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church of Wayne where Frank faithfully served as an usher for over twenty-five years, and the founding patrons of St. Francis Church in India.
Surviving are Frank’s cherished wife of fifty-eight years, Marjorie; two beloved daughters: Marie Armenio and Eileen and husband Dominic Prizzi, both of Wayne; one beloved son: Peter J. and wife Sandra Armenio of New York City; and his faithful grand-dog Moxie. He was predeceased by his dear older brother Vincent Armenio in 2010. We remain all for one and one for all.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Frank’s name are asked to consider donations to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church of Wayne, or The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Graymoor, P.O. Box 309, Garrison, NY 10524-309 (atonementfriars.org), or The Progeria Research Foundation, P.O. Box 3453, Peabody, MA 01961-3453 (progeriaresearch.org).
The following is the eulogy delivered by Peter J. Armenio, son of Dr. Frank Armenio, during February 1, 2017 funeral Mass at Annunciation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne, New Jersey.
In Loving Memory Of Frank Armenio, My Father
August 27, 1927 – January 28, 2017
Thank you, Father Peter for your moving Homily and all the care you have taken of our family these last ten years. And thank you Father Dan. As some of you may know, Father Dan served Annunciation parish for years. You may have seen in the anteroom at the wake yesterday the picture of Father Dan celebrating my first holy communion at our house some 40-plus years ago. Thank you Father Peter and Father Dan. We are grateful that you are here with us today.
Thank you to everyone in attendance. I know that many of you have traveled from Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, and all over New York and New Jersey to be here today. Your presence is a great comfort to our family.
Every life is a journey. We sketched the outline of my Father’s journey in his obituary, and will add more details in a lasting website. But I wanted to tell you a bit about my Father’s journey in person.
My Father’s journey started in 1927 in Cattolica Eraclea in Sicily, a small village of a few hundred people.
Like all of us, my Father’s journey had its challenges:
Cattolica Eraclea was turned upside down by World War II, and as a child my Father and his dear older brother Vincent saw their village and neighbors go through tough times beyond their control. But Pop and his family persevered, and he was able to attend the University of Parma.
During his University years, my Father suffered significant, life-long hearing loss. It changed his course of study from studying medicine to become a doctor to chemistry, but Pop persevered and earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
After his University years, Pop came to America. 1950s America was not the easiest place for a Sicilian with an accent and hearing trouble to make his way. But Pop persevered and built a career, eventually running an analytical chemistry laboratory for Harmon Colors in Haledon for over 30 years. I worked with Pop at Harmon Colors during my summers in college, and, I have to say, it was amazing to see him in action. He was responsible for making sure that huge shipments of things like sulfuric acid were pure to thousandths of a percent. That was my Pop, careful and precise. Someone you could rely on.
Like all of us, my Father’s journey also had its blessings:
Shortly after coming to America, my father met Marjorie Bruno, the beautiful lady in the front row, my Mom, the love of his life. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage and were always together: Mom and Pop, Marge and Frank.
Marge and Frank had three kids: Marie, Eileen, and me. They embraced being parents and having a family. They were always there for us. The best. As one of many stories, I cannot tell you how many times Pop drove me to PAL little league baseball and basketball practices and games as a kid, even though he never played those sports himself. He just wanted to be there for me. His devotion in this and every aspect of family life was clear and unwavering. He loved his family -- it was the most important thing in his life. He was loved in return. And that love grew over time, as we were joined by Eileen’s husband, Nick, my wife, Sandi, and Marie’s significant other, Tom. Pop was happiest when we were all together. Holidays and big events for sure, but also diner breakfasts and quiet times watching TV or doing the puzzles he loved so much. Pop’s motto for the family was – All for One and One for All – and he and Mom showed us every day what it meant to live those words.
In addition to his family, Pop loved his community – he loved you. He was blessed with great neighbors and a great parish here at Annunciation. He enjoyed talking with everyone and watching their families grow, kids going off to college and starting careers. He tried to look after everyone, and you treated him like a part of your families. That was shown yet again the last several days. As we were driving home from the wake yesterday, neighbors were shoveling the snow from our sidewalks. Sending your condolences and attending the wake and funeral, that has all been such a comfort and has meant so much to us. Thank you for everything. Words cannot express how grateful we are for your care and friendship.
Lastly, like all of us, my Father’s journey had a hoped for destination:
Pop was a devoted Catholic, and with Mom, sent the three of us to DePaul and brought us up to share their faith.
Like some of you here today, Mom and Pop were founding parishioners here at Annunciation. I have traveled a lot for work and attended Mass all over the country. But without a doubt, this is the warmest, most caring church I have ever known. It is Home. Even when I have traveled for a time and come back, it was like I had never left. This is Home.
Like the Church, Pop was constant in his love and caring. A rock that we all relied upon for guidance and strength. We miss him terribly. But we are guided by his example and his memory. He will always be loved and remembered – missed with tears and celebrated with laughter and family times together.
We pray for you in Heaven, Pop. You made it. We love you.
*****
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from the funeral home then to Annunciation RC Church, 45 Urban Club Road, Wayne where a 10:00 AM Mass will be offered.
January 28, 2017
Services
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from the funeral home then to Annunciation RC Church, 45 Urban Club Road, Wayne where a 10:00 AM Mass will be offered.
Dr. Frank Armenio, age 89, of Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
Born and raised in Cattolica Eraclea in Sicily, Italy, he and his wife Marjorie moved to Wayne in 1961, where they raised their family and resided to the present time.
Dr. Armenio earned his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Parma in Italy. He ran an analytical laboratory for Harmon Colors of Haledon, NJ for thirty-three years, retiring in 1994.
Frank and his wife Marjorie were founding parishioners of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church of Wayne where Frank faithfully served as an usher for over twenty-five years, and the founding patrons of St. Francis Church in India.
Surviving are Frank’s cherished wife of fifty-eight years, Marjorie; two beloved daughters: Marie Armenio and Eileen and husband Dominic Prizzi, both of Wayne; one beloved son: Peter J. and wife Sandra Armenio of New York City; and his faithful grand-dog Moxie. He was predeceased by his dear older brother Vincent Armenio in 2010. We remain all for one and one for all.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Frank’s name are asked to consider donations to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church of Wayne, or The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Graymoor, P.O. Box 309, Garrison, NY 10524-309 (atonementfriars.org), or The Progeria Research Foundation, P.O. Box 3453, Peabody, MA 01961-3453 (progeriaresearch.org).
The following is the eulogy delivered by Peter J. Armenio, son of Dr. Frank Armenio, during February 1, 2017 funeral Mass at Annunciation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wayne, New Jersey.
In Loving Memory Of Frank Armenio, My Father
August 27, 1927 – January 28, 2017
Thank you, Father Peter for your moving Homily and all the care you have taken of our family these last ten years. And thank you Father Dan. As some of you may know, Father Dan served Annunciation parish for years. You may have seen in the anteroom at the wake yesterday the picture of Father Dan celebrating my first holy communion at our house some 40-plus years ago. Thank you Father Peter and Father Dan. We are grateful that you are here with us today.
Thank you to everyone in attendance. I know that many of you have traveled from Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, and all over New York and New Jersey to be here today. Your presence is a great comfort to our family.
Every life is a journey. We sketched the outline of my Father’s journey in his obituary, and will add more details in a lasting website. But I wanted to tell you a bit about my Father’s journey in person.
My Father’s journey started in 1927 in Cattolica Eraclea in Sicily, a small village of a few hundred people.
Like all of us, my Father’s journey had its challenges:
Cattolica Eraclea was turned upside down by World War II, and as a child my Father and his dear older brother Vincent saw their village and neighbors go through tough times beyond their control. But Pop and his family persevered, and he was able to attend the University of Parma.
During his University years, my Father suffered significant, life-long hearing loss. It changed his course of study from studying medicine to become a doctor to chemistry, but Pop persevered and earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry.
After his University years, Pop came to America. 1950s America was not the easiest place for a Sicilian with an accent and hearing trouble to make his way. But Pop persevered and built a career, eventually running an analytical chemistry laboratory for Harmon Colors in Haledon for over 30 years. I worked with Pop at Harmon Colors during my summers in college, and, I have to say, it was amazing to see him in action. He was responsible for making sure that huge shipments of things like sulfuric acid were pure to thousandths of a percent. That was my Pop, careful and precise. Someone you could rely on.
Like all of us, my Father’s journey also had its blessings:
Shortly after coming to America, my father met Marjorie Bruno, the beautiful lady in the front row, my Mom, the love of his life. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage and were always together: Mom and Pop, Marge and Frank.
Marge and Frank had three kids: Marie, Eileen, and me. They embraced being parents and having a family. They were always there for us. The best. As one of many stories, I cannot tell you how many times Pop drove me to PAL little league baseball and basketball practices and games as a kid, even though he never played those sports himself. He just wanted to be there for me. His devotion in this and every aspect of family life was clear and unwavering. He loved his family -- it was the most important thing in his life. He was loved in return. And that love grew over time, as we were joined by Eileen’s husband, Nick, my wife, Sandi, and Marie’s significant other, Tom. Pop was happiest when we were all together. Holidays and big events for sure, but also diner breakfasts and quiet times watching TV or doing the puzzles he loved so much. Pop’s motto for the family was – All for One and One for All – and he and Mom showed us every day what it meant to live those words.
In addition to his family, Pop loved his community – he loved you. He was blessed with great neighbors and a great parish here at Annunciation. He enjoyed talking with everyone and watching their families grow, kids going off to college and starting careers. He tried to look after everyone, and you treated him like a part of your families. That was shown yet again the last several days. As we were driving home from the wake yesterday, neighbors were shoveling the snow from our sidewalks. Sending your condolences and attending the wake and funeral, that has all been such a comfort and has meant so much to us. Thank you for everything. Words cannot express how grateful we are for your care and friendship.
Lastly, like all of us, my Father’s journey had a hoped for destination:
Pop was a devoted Catholic, and with Mom, sent the three of us to DePaul and brought us up to share their faith.
Like some of you here today, Mom and Pop were founding parishioners here at Annunciation. I have traveled a lot for work and attended Mass all over the country. But without a doubt, this is the warmest, most caring church I have ever known. It is Home. Even when I have traveled for a time and come back, it was like I had never left. This is Home.
Like the Church, Pop was constant in his love and caring. A rock that we all relied upon for guidance and strength. We miss him terribly. But we are guided by his example and his memory. He will always be loved and remembered – missed with tears and celebrated with laughter and family times together.
We pray for you in Heaven, Pop. You made it. We love you.
*****
Guestbook
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.