Obituary of Frank Diorio, Sr.

Frank Diorio Sr., 91, passed away on August 14, 2026.  

Born in Paterson, NJ, Frank graduated from Fairlawn High School in 1952 and the University of Notre Dame in 1956, and went on to earn his Masters Degree in Engineering.   

Frank proudly served his country as a LTJG in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1962. Frank resided in Lake Hopatcong, NJ for the past 58 years.  

Frank worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the Armaments Directorate at Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, NJ for 30+ years, before retiring in 1997.   

Frank was a parishioner of the Olde Forge Chapel at Picatinny Arsenal. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Center for Bioethical Reform.  

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Maureen Diorio; and his loving children, Carolyn (spouse Michael); Patricia (spouse Casey); Elizabeth (spouse Anthony); Christine; Frank, Jr. (BGen USMC; spouse Charlotte); and Lauren (spouse Joseph). He is also survived by his dear brothers, Richard of Fairlawn, NJ and Alfred of Pittsburgh, PA; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Talia-Rose, Jordan, Frankie, Sarah, Gianna, Bella & Baby Joey (who welcomed his Pop-Pop into Glory.) Frank was predeceased by his beloved parents, Alfred Diorio of Paterson, NJ and Nancy Diorio (Raiolo) of Naples, Italy.  

Family and friends are welcome to visit with the family on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 12:00pm-1:45pm at Olde Forge Chapel, Picatinny Arsenal. A Funeral Mass for Frank will immediately follow at 2:00pm also at the Chapel. 

(*For those planning on attending services at Picatinny Arsenal, please be sure to email your First and Last Name to Fdlife@optonline.net (by Friday at 5pm), as well as bring along a form of Real ID (i.e. Real ID License, Passport, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Military ID, etc.) to gain access to the Post.)  

Interment will be at a later date for immediate family only. 

Frank was a man of deep faith, and this faith served as the bedrock for his next greatest love- his family. This love drove him to labor tirelessly to build and maintain the family home for over six decades, to now where every square inch has the "thumbprint" of his hammer, saw, and shovel.  

Frank was most content sitting at the dining room table surrounded by his family and some homemade Italian food, and he believed that any meal that started with a little bit of garlic and oregano browned in olive oil was bound to be a masterpiece, one that could only be improved by enjoying some of his “Old Fashioned Frank’s Homemade Lemon-Ice" for dessert.  

Frank was a devoted advocate for the unborn, a Navy Veteran, avid runner, senior Olympian gold medalist, and an aspiring thespian whose impromptu renditions of “You Got Trouble” (Music Man), “Tradition” (Fiddler on the Roof) or “I am the Model of a Modern Major General” (Pirates of Penzance) could instantly captivate an audience. But most of all, Frank loved his God, his Family, and his Country - in that order - and while his determined spirit and authentic presence will be missed dearly, his legacy of love and devotion will assuredly live on in the lives of those he touched. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following organizations: “Lifenet” (www.lifeneteducation.org), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), Mary’s Meals (www.marysmealsusa.org), or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).