Frank Chilelli

Frank Chilelli, 92, of Holmdel, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22nd, surrounded by his loving family at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Frank, born Dionigio Francesco Chilelli, began his life in Fiumefreddo Bruzio, Italy, where he was raised before emigrating with his family to Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn at the age of 13 in 1947. Armed with determination, a strong work ethic, and not a word of English, Frank enrolled at Seward Park High School and graduated in just three years. He went on to attend Brooklyn College, majoring in accounting, and proudly served his country in the United States Army.

During one of his Army leaves, fate stepped in…

Frank met the love of his life, Marie, on a blind date. A few days earlier, he had spotted her at the Italian Club in New York City after she had won a local beauty contest. He wanted to meet her that night, but she was surrounded by reporters and admirers and never got the chance. His best friend set up a blind date two days later. Frank arrived only to discover that his date was Marie Simone, the very beauty queen he had admired from afar. He loved telling that story for decades, and it became legendary in the family. To this day, that newspaper clipping with her photo from the beauty pageant remains with all of his possessions.

Frank and Marie were married on October 9, 1960, beginning a lifelong love story that would span more than six decades. They raised their three children on Staten Island, alongside an extraordinary extended family. Frank's parents, brother, and sister, as well as Marie's parents and one of her brothers, all bought homes next door to one another, creating a true village where doors were always open and family was never far. Eventually, everyone made their way to New Jersey, still close in distance, heart and spirit. Frank first settled in Colts Neck and later in Holmdel.

Frank began his professional career at Chadbourne & Parke in New York City as an accountant, later becoming Assistant Vice President at Bowater Inc. Ever the entrepreneur, he eventually went out on his own and built successful businesses of his own. His restaurants included The Amboy's in Staten Island, which became one of the busiest pizzerias on the South Shore, and later La Cashina Ristorante in Marlboro, New Jersey, which he opened with his son. Frank treated employees like family and took great pride in helping many of them build better futures.

Frank officially retired at 86, but his most important role came next. When Marie developed advanced dementia, he became her full time caregiver, lovingly tending to her at home with patience, devotion, and unwavering loyalty. It was a quiet, heroic love that defined the very best of who he was.

Frank was an avid Mets fan, a devoted opera lover, and a true DIY master. He could fix just about anything and loved building projects in his workshop. He kept his mind sharp by continuing to do his own bookkeeping well into his eighties. He cherished trips to Italy, summers in Wildwood Crest with his family, and favorite vacations with Marie to Las Vegas and the Caribbean.

Frank's greatest joy was his family. From a young age, he taught his children and grandchildren the importance of tradition, hard work, and togetherness. They will forever remember making zeppole at Christmas, crafting beautiful palm crosses every Easter, eating apples soaked in wine after dinner (because, as Frank believed, you were never too young for a little wine), and above all, being there for one another, because family is everything.

Frank was a wonderful listener, a quiet problem solver, and a source of steady, thoughtful advice. Many sought his guidance, and he always made time. His legacy is not only the life he built, but the love, values, and strength he passed on.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Marie; his children, JoAnne Chilelli, Domenick Chilelli, and Nancy Ruzich and her husband Matthew; and his cherished grandchildren, GinaMarie Chilelli, Dominique Chilelli, Matthew Ruzich, and Francis Ruzich. He is also survived by his sister in law Maureen Chilelli; his brother-in-law Philip Simone and his wife Miranda; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Domenico and Giovanna; his sister Carolina Chiappetta and her husband Luigi; his brother Victor Chilelli; his brother-in-law Joseph Simone and his wife Eileen; and his beloved daughter-in-law Diana Chilelli.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29th, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, New Jersey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, January 30th at 10:15 AM at Church of Saint Leo the Great, 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft, New Jersey. Interment will follow at Holmdel Cemetery.