Obituaries

Frank A. Vaccaro passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Rumson, New Jersey on February 14, 2024. He was 91 years old.

Born in Staten Island, New York, he graduated from Curtis High school in 1950 and then attended New York Polytechnic Institute where he studied civil engineering. He went on to proudly serve his country in the US Army in South Korea during the Korean War where he used his engineering and construction skills to build homes, roads and other infrastructure projects to assist in their rebuilding effort.

After completing his military service, Frank was employed by the City of New York where he helped design and build various construction projects including subway, sewer treatment and co-generation plants throughout New York City.

In 1955, he met his future wife Helen Lord of Maspeth, Queens and they were married in 1956, becoming the parents of Kenneth, Arlene, Janice & Frank. Frank & Helen recently celebrated 68 years of marriage together.

While supporting his young family, Frank continued to work for the City of New York while attending college at night, receiving a scholarship from New York University where he completed his education and obtained his degree with honors in civil engineering.

Known for his keen intellect and ability to quickly diagnose and solve problems, Frank left his position with the City of New York to form his own engineering and architectural firm, Frank A. Vaccaro Professional Engineer. His wife Helen assisted Frank in operating his firm as bookkeeper and office manager for many years. A successful engineer, building contractor and real estate developer for over five decades, Frank’s motto was “Nothing’s Impossible” and used his knowledge, experience and tenacity to assist countless clients to obtain successful outcomes in a wide variety of projects.

In addition to his professional career, Frank enjoyed sailing, playing golf, traveling with his wife Helen and especially spending time at his family’s vacation home in Bayville, New Jersey where many wonderful family memories were enjoyed.

Predeceased by his sister Camille Morri, he is survived by his wife Helen, son Kenneth Vaccaro, daughter Arlene LaMarca and her husband Fred, daughter Janice Couch, son Frank Vaccaro and his wife Jeannine, brother William Vaccaro, sister Mary Sherriff and many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 18th from 3-6 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 19th at 11 am at Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Rd, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. Interment will be private.