Frank
("Chuck") Vicendese was born
on December 24, 1931 in the homestead on the corner of Plainfield and Springfield Avenue, Berkeley
Heights, NJ, to Irene and Francesco Vicendese, and was the youngest of nine
children.
He was a member of
the Marine Corp Reserves, a graduate of the University of Miami and Seton Hall
University where he received his M.A., and a beloved mentor, coach and teacher,
and principal at various schools in Middlesex and Dunellen before leaving
the public school system to join his brothers in the hardware business founded
by their father in 1960, Berkeley Hardware & Mill Supplies. In
addition to his love of the hardware business, he was the consummate real
estate developer and entrepreneur throughout his lifetime. He was
the founder and builder of Warrenville Hardware, Flag Plaza, Arch Plaza, Keystone
Corner, and Town Center in Warren under the banner of Vicendese Family Ltd.,
and took great pride and joy in the redevelopment of "The Homestead"
in downtown Berkeley Heights as a tribute to his parents, which is known today
as Heritage Square.
He is best known
for his love of his Catholic faith, family, friends, fast cars, roosters, flowers,
cigars, and the American flag. The door
to his office -- and to his generous heart -- was open to all, and his
irresistible sense of humor was his calling card. He will be long
remembered as a man who lived his convictions out loud and inspired others to
do the same. He touched the lives of many and was always grateful for
those who offered him their friendship and love throughout the years. He
was and remains deeply beloved by his friends and family, which includes his wife and four children, their spouses, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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