Crispino Ernst Lombardi

Crispino E. Lombardi, 88, of Tequesta, FL, passed away on December 5th after a short battle with COVID-19. Cris was born and raised in Plainfield, NJ, the only child of Guido and Elsa (Steyer) Lombardi.

Besides his parents, Cris is preceded in death by his dear wife, Elizabeth (Hossan) Lombardi and his son, Mark Lombardi.

He is survived by his children Craig Lombardi (West Moss) of West Milford, NJ; Lisa Lombardi of Ship Bottom, NJ; Christopher Lombardi of Oroville, CA; and Kim Lombardi of Portland, ME. He also leaves behind grandchildren Mara and Conor Kennedy, as well as daughter-in-law Caroline Fuller.

Cris graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) in 1953. After beginning his career in New York City, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years, primarily in Germany. After returning to civilian life, an Army buddy set Cris up on a blind date with Betty, a student at Danbury Teachers College in Danbury, CT. They were married in 1958 and enjoyed nearly 50 years together before Cris lost Betty to cancer in 2005.

For the majority of his career spanning over 40 years, Cris worked in Production and Sales at a variety of engineering firms, specializing in alternative energy sources and clean air processes. He traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world for his work, and continued to explore the far reaches of the globe long past his retirement.

Cris was a friend to all, a gregarious conversationalist, an avid crossword puzzle aficionado, a DIY enthusiast long before it was fashionable, and the one person his children would choose to be in their “Cash Cab”. He always enjoyed the ocean, from Point Pleasant in his youth to family vacations on Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore. After Betty’s death, he relocated to the Atlantic coast of Florida, where he led an active, independent life filled with golfing as much as possible, enjoying Happy Hours with Pat, and basking in the Florida sunshine as evidenced by his perpetual tan. He lived life fully right up until the moment he contracted COVID.

As COVID has restricted the family’s ability to honor Cris at this time, his children will organize a memorial service in New Jersey in the spring. His family implores everyone to abide by all COVID restrictions and safety precautions to limit the tragic repercussions of this disease. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to support local health care providers who are battling this pandemic on the front lines.

A local Memorial Mass for Cris will be held at St. Christopher’s Church in Hobe Sound, FL, on December 16th at 10 a.m.