Frank Dara

Frank Dara Jr, 79 of Clifton NJ
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Frank Dara Jr. of Clifton NJ at the age of 79 on March 19, 2025. Frank was a resident of Rutherford NJ before moving to Clifton as a child where he lived the next 70 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Elizabeth (nee Gracie) of Clifton, his son Frank III and daughter in law Darlene Dara of Georgia, his daughter Dyan Zinzi and son in law Rich Van Tassel of Montville, his grandchildren Kaitlyn Dara, Konnor Dara, and Dean Zinzi, and his sister Concetta Milanese of Clifton, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Mary (Cicio) Dara and by his brothers Michael and Joseph.
Frank was an avid outdoorsman and held multiple leadership positions within the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, serving many years as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as President of the Bergen County Federation and the Northern Region Federation. He loved to hunt and fish and be in the great outdoors. One of his great passions was to organize the Bergen County Federation Annual Venison dinners, which he did for over 40 years, in addition to running the Governor's Surf Fishing tournaments for many years.
Frank worked as a cutter in the garment industry for many decades, first in the family business Dara Dress before running his own shop Expercut in Rutherford and Passaic, NJ. He also worked for several fashion houses in NY and NJ before retiring in 2014. He later worked for Tiffany Design in Newark and Malia Mills in Brooklyn where co-workers spoke warmly of his knowledge, kindness and patience.
In his younger years, Frank enjoyed playing bass guitar his band The Impalas. They played at local schools and colleges, as well as intermission at a local drive in. He had a lifelong love of music, especially oldies, as well as old cars. Frank was an animal lover and had several Shar-Pei dogs and was always happy with a dog by his side. Friends spoke of the kind, generous and giving man who would always put others ahead of himself.
Services will be held at the Allwood Funeral Home - 660 Allwood Road, Clifton. Viewing will be Monday March 24 from 4pm to 8pm with a Memorial Service and Mass Tuesday March 25 at 10:30am at St. Philip the Apostle RC Church on Valley Road in Clifton, followed by burial at Immaculate Conception in Montclair.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to a Shar-Pei rescue where Frank and Elizabeth saved 4 of their Shar-Pei dogs. Operation Scarlet, Box 8463. Lancaster, PA 17604 or to an organization he helped form due to his love of the outdoors: New Jersey Sportsmen's Wildlife Foundation Inc., PO Box 135, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215