Frank S. DiMinno Jr.

He was born in Lodi, NJ to Mary Martelli and Frank DiMinno. Frank attended Dumont High School in Dumont, NJ and went on to serve 38 years in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, ending his military career with a Medal of Honor and the honorable rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Throughout his lifetime, Frank owned and operated several small businesses, the most memorable of which was a Dairy Queen in Cherry Hill, NJ. Through this business, he found a way to combine his entrepreneurial spirit and love of ice cream into a shop that was a local favorite in the 1970’s. In addition to his successful Army career and small business endeavors, Frank also had an accomplished 38-year career at Edmund Scientific Co, first as Vice President and then as President of the Industrial Optics Division. It was during this time that he also earned a patent in laser technology.

Frank was an avid US. history buff. He always traveled with his metal detectors so he’d be ready to search for treasures at a moment’s notice. For many years, he collaborated with local and regional historical societies as well as the Coast Guard in his pursuit to recover a cannon that had been abandoned by the British and Hessian troops when they crossed the Delaware River from Philadelphia into New Jersey during the Revolutionary War. He never found the cannon but his story was featured on various news stations over the years.

Frank loved to read, was an avid photographer, and a fierce air hockey enthusiast. He also loved the water and the beach, so he thrived in his waterfront home in Brick for 22 years. As his family grew, he became “Grampie” and his grandkids were the center of his universe. He loved watching them grow up and they will always remember him for his funny stories and how he would sneak them cookies and ice cream every chance he got.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Margaret DiMinno, who he truly loved so deeply and fondly referred to her as “his bride”. He is also survived by his “troops”: two daughters, Paige Reagan and her husband Michael of Point Pleasant, NJ and Kerry Jones and her husband Gary of Cranford, NJ, as well as his dearest grandchildren, Caitlin Reagan and Gavin and Dylan Jones.

Frank was a gentle soul. He had a quiet strength and determination, an infectious laugh, and an undeniable sense of humor. He will be sorely missed, and our world now looks a little different without him in it.

A memorial gathering will be held in Frank’s memory on Saturday, September 14th from 11am – 1pm at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River, NJ.

In lieu of flowers you can make donations in Frank’s honor to:

The National Historical Society: National Historical Society

Wounded Warrior Project: Wounded Warrior Project - Donate