Francesco Paulo Librizzi was born on January 25, 1920, in Newark, NJ. His parents, Calogero and Carmela (Ilvento) Librizzi, emigrated to the US from Italy. Frank graduated from Central High School, Newark, and earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1942. He served in the US Navy during World War II, serving aboard the USS Charr (SS 328) as a plank owner in the Pacific, and earning the rank of Lieutenant. He is the recipient of a Bronze Star.
After the war, Frank started a long career with PSE&G, beginning with his participation in the company’s Cadet Program. He held various positions in the company’s electric generating plants throughout New Jersey and was responsible for creating the company’s Central Maintenance Shop in Perth Amboy. After 40 years with PSE&G, he retired at age 65, with the title of Vice President, Electric Production.
Frank met and married Sheila Donohue in 1949. They lived in Union, Short Hills, and Allamuchy (Panther Valley), NJ, and raised seven children. Frank was active in various community organizations throughout his life, and he enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He was a master cabinetmaker and built a workshop that would rival any professional cabinetmaker’s dream. His home is filled with his craftsmanship: a grandfather’s clock, a reproduction of a Newport Secretary, a curved table to suit the curved wall in his vestibule, plus numerous other works of art. Just a few weeks ago, he put the finishing touches on 10 jewelry boxes for the women in his life.
Frank leaves his wife of 67 years, Sheila, and their seven children: Eileen Klauser and her husband Eugene; Ann Librizzi; Charles Librizzi and his wife Diane; Paul Librizzi and his wife Carol; Clare Moncourtois and her husband Mark; Mary Knackstedt and her husband Rick; and William Librizzi; 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He also leaves his sister Josephine Librizzi of Allamuchy. Truly the embodiment of Tom Brokaw’s Greatest Generation, he was an inspiration and good friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
A visitation will be held at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ on Friday, January 27, 2016 from 4-8 pm.
A funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, Andover, NJ on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 10 am. Burial will be at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Andover following the mass.