Frank Medaglia passed away Nov. 23 at the remarkable age of 99. He was born March 1, 1921 in the Bronx to Eugenio and Maria Medaglia. He was the eldest of four children. Frank and his wife Anne met prior to World War II and carried on their courtship throughout the war. He was a member of the Army Signal Corp (D-Day +4 and the Battle of the Bulge). They promptly married at the war’s end in January 1946 before starting their lives together. They lived in the Bronx for many years until they moved their family of three children to New Jersey in 1964.
Frank worked as a union electrician in New York City while pursuing his degree in education at New York University. As a teacher in New York City, Frank continued his education at night school, earning a master’s degree from Rutgers that prepared him for his career in school administration. Frank thoroughly loved his work, supporting and motivating his students as the principal of Grady Technical High School on Coney Island.
After retirement, Frank and Anne shared many wonderful memories with their children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Frank was predeceased by his wife Anne and their son Eugene. He is survived by his daughter and husband, Mary and Kenneth Noorigian (Vienna, Virginia), daughter and husband, Grace Anne and Douglas Becker (Little Silver), and all the kids.
Anyone who knew Frank would say he was the kindest, sweetest person. He was a “gentle man.” His love for his wife Anne was a joy to watch and he gave his children and grandchildren plenty of smiles each and every day. His wonderful spirit has left an indelible imprint on all that knew him. “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” He was truly a great man.
The article originally appeared in the December 3 – 9, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
