Obituary: Frank Fierro, 70, of Middletown, Who Survived 9/11 and Enjoyed a Full Life

Frank J. Fierro, 70, of Middletown, entered into eternal life on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Cornell Medical Center, New York.

Frank was originally a communicant of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in New Brunswick from 1942-1972. In 1958, he was a winner of the Optimist International's Oratorical Contest in Dallas, Texas. He was a graduate of New Brunswick High School, Class of 1960. Frank graduated at the TOP of his class and was the president of the Student Council and a member of the school orchestra. He was also voted the most popular and most likely to succeed.

Frank graduated from Rutgers University/Rutgers College, class of 1964 (summa cum laude) and received his Bachelor's of Art and Science in Business Administration, Economics and Philosophy. He was a master of and fluent in many languages. Frank attended ROTC and upon graduation, began teaching at the University of Rio Piedras in Puerto Rico. In 1964, Frank was selected to work with Prime Minister Ricardo Zuniga of Honduras Central America via the American Embassy with the Agency for International Business Development (1964-1968).

In late 1968, Frank was hired by Merrill Lynch as a broker, financial advisor and technical analyst in Newark and New York City. A survivor of 9/11, Frank decided to relocate to local offices closer to home. He was the Senior Vice President and a vocal stock holder of Merrill Lynch during Board meetings. Frank spent the last 15 years with Legg Mason and Morgan Stanley. Although his illness began over a year prior, Frank worked up until June of this year as the Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. Frank was a connoisseur of fine dining, classical music and had a passion for opera. A true Aficionado. As a diverse individual, Frank also enjoyed classic and "oldies rock and roll". He was particularly fond of Elvis Presley from the early 50's and decades beyond.

Frank lived a full and faithful life. He was a communicant and member of St. Mary's Parish-Mary, Mother of God Church in New Monmouth from 1972 to the present. He was a devoted husband of 48 years, loving father and grandfather. His family and friends were of utmost importance to him. Frank's strong religious and ethical convictions carried him through an AMAZING journey. The sanctity of life was personified in all that he did. Frank's journey is just beginning as he meets with God and His Angels and all loved ones who have traveled before him.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, George and Filomena Fierro; and a sister, Carol Fierro. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sixta; three sons, George P. and fiancé Adrienne Serafin of Allenwood, Frank J. Jr. and Anthony M., both of Middletown; two daughters, Carolyn and husband Todd Leporatti of Red Bank, and Felicia and husband Adam K. Merklinger of Middletown; a sister, Theresa Fierro-Kozak and husband Alexander of Old Bridge; and his grandchildren, Todd, Frank and Mark Leporatti, Merisa Merklinger and Daniel Prestup.

Visitation will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5 at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at St. Mary's Parish—Mary, Mother of God Church, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Road, Middletown.

Interment will follow at St. Peter the Apostle Cemetery, New Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to His Love Ministries on Angels Wings, Rev. John Campoli, I.V. Dei, PO Box 1951, Brick, NJ  08723 (www.hisloveministries.com) or to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540 (www.autismspeaks.org).