Obituary of Frank N Dandrea

Frank Nicholas "Chichie" Dandrea, 93 of Minotola passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 11, 2019. He was born in Landisville to the late Rocco and Grace (Coccaro) and was raised in the Landisville/Minotola area. Frank graduated from Cleary Jr. High and attended Vineland High School. During World War II Frank was employed at the Mays Landing Bomb Plant. He worked for the NJ State Highway Department and retired in 1985 with 30 years of service. The love of baseball led him to become involved with the local youth in Buena and was an umpire for many years in the Buena Little League Program. One of Frank's lifelong passions was rabbit hunting and raising Beagles especially his favorite Beagle, Hooper. He was a long time member and in 2013 became Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Buena Housing Authority. He was a frequent visitor at the Senior Housing Authority lending a hand, sharing his friendship, laughter and "acting skills" whenever needed. In 2015 he, along with his brother Emilio "Speed", was honored with a commendation by the NJ General Assembly as Buena Historical Society "Outstanding Citizen Award". Frank will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 74 years, Concetta ( Ferrara), daughter Jean (Joseph) Delgado of Vineland, son Rocco (Lorraine) of Vineland; grandchildren Joseph (Lauren) Delgado, Kelli (John) Ridgway, Jason (Heather) Dandrea, Brian (Courtney) Dandrea; 10 great grandchildren Jenna and Anthony Delgado; Nicholas and Daniel Ridgway; Jared, Sean and Lucas Dandrea and Finley, Kaelyn and Peyton Dandrea; brother Emilio Dandrea, nieces, nephews, cousins and caregivers Brenda and Maria. He is predeceased by his sister Josephine Marcus. Frank will always be remembered as a generous man with a big heart who treated everyone he met like family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Frank's name be made to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter.