Michael J. Desiderio

Born and raised in Newark, N.J., he was the son of Italian immigrants Francesco and Rose Desiderio and the youngest of seven sons. He had one sister.

Mr. Desiderio attended Barringer High School in Newark, N.J., and graduated in three years from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business in 1938.

Mr. Desiderio entered the U.S. Army in 1941 and was attached to the Military Intelligence Division of the British 8th Army, serving with distinction in North Africa and Italy. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945 with the rank of Major and was awarded the rare, high honor of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by King George VI of England.

After the war, Mr. Desiderio joined the family business Whippany Paperboard, Inc., which became the largest manufacturer of recycled paperboard in the world. He retired as President and Chairman of the Board of the company in the early 1980’s and retired to Florida.

Mr. Desiderio is survived by his wife of 66 years Gloria (nee Invidiato); sons Marc, Carl, and Alan; grandchildren Jennifer Kristin Desiderio, Dr. Michael C., and Adam J. Desiderio; and his canine friends Vienna and Victoria.

He will be sorely missed as a mentor, advisor, supporter and friend.

Arrangements entrusted to Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 N. Federal Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 – www.kraeerfairchild.com