Mr. Frank J. Chrinko, 88, passed away on May 7, surrounded by his loving family.
Frank was born and raised in New Brunswick. He attended St. Peter’s High School, and after his graduation, served our country faithfully in the United States Navy. He moved to South Brunswick in 1959.
Over a span of 23 years, from 1950 to 1973, Frank rose in the ranks at the IBM subsidiary, Service Bureau Corporation, to become National Manager of Advertising and Sales Promotions. In 1960, as a member of the Rutgers University Curriculum Advisory Board, he helped develop the university’s first-ever data processing course. Frank thoroughly enjoyed his experience teaching the course to a diverse group of students as a co-adjunct faculty member.
In 1963, Frank began a career in public office. A loyal public servant, he devoted countless hours to South Brunswick Township boards and committees. Frank was elected mayor in 1968. During his tenure as mayor, he also acted as Township Finance Director.
Frank opened Fugazy International Travel in North Brunswick in 1973, and he began offering tours to Hungary in 1979. These comprehensive tours hosted thousands of American-Hungarians from all over the United States. Frank could be found celebrating his heritage every summer at the Hungarian Festival on Somerset Street in New Brunswick. The American Hungarian Foundation honored him with the Distinguished Service Award at the 39th AHF Carousel Ball.
Frank was predeceased by his siblings Robert Chrinko and Ann Mailey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Stella, and their six children: Joan McGee and her husband Mark of Broken Arrow, OK.; Frank J. Chrinko III and his wife Wendy of Powell River, B.C., Canada; Marie Marusa and her husband Tom of Lewisville, TX.; Tricia Rich and her husband Bob of Skillman, N.J.; Cathy Applegate and her husband Tom of Hillsborough, N.J.; and Michael Chrinko of Kamuela, HI. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are entrusted with the Gleason Funeral Home. Contributions in Frank’s name may be made to the American Hungarian Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
