Contributions to the tribute of Frank J. Auth

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The family of Frank J. Auth uploaded a photo

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

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The family of Frank J. Auth uploaded a photo

Thursday, February 26, 2015

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Jim Wade posted a condolence

Monday, March 3, 2008

The two things I remember most about my Uncle Hank are his smile and gentleness. In fact, the attached photo of he and Aunt Ann couldn't be more representative. I don't think the eulogy could have summed up his life any better. Even Heaven is a better place now, with him there. I've kept the family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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Patty Huttenbach posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Mr. Auth was a wonderful person and I am sure that he is at peace in heaven. As I was growing up, Debbie and I spent much time together. He was like a second father to me. I wish the family comfort in knowing that he was a good person and had a nice life.He will be remembered well.

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Debbie posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Dearest Dad, I miss you so much! How lucky I was to be one of your children ! You were a special man, a perfect gentleman, a wonderful father and role model. Thank you for your kindness,strength, encouragement and unconditional love. Your beautiful smile and sense of humor as well as your other qualities will remain in my heart forever. You truely were a special gift for us all and I will treasure you always! Love, Debbie

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Barb Szemak posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

I will always remember my uncle Hank's smile and his laugh. He had the greatest smile. My recent memory was at Joan's wedding and how much I enjoyed being there with my mom and the family. Hank got right out there, on the dance floor, and danced with me!

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Steve Auth posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

EULOGY FOR MY FATHER FEBRUARY 25, 2008 MY MOTHER AND SISTERS ASKED ME TO GIVE THIS EULOGY. ALL FIVE OF US HAD OUR OWN VERY SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH DAD: MY MOTHER, THE LOVE AND SWEETHEART OF HIS LIFE; DEBBIE, THE OLDEST AND IN SOME WAYS, THE CLOSEST; CATHY, WHO HE CALLED ‘LITTLE BROWN EYES’; AND JOAN MARIE, HIS LITTLE BABY GIRL. BUT FIVE OF US COULDN’T SPEAK TODAY, AND THE WOMEN THOUGHT I HAD THE BEST SHOT OF DELIVERING A TALK ABOUT DAD INTACT, WITHOUT BREAKING DOWN. WE’LL SEE… OUR FATHER WAS A SIMPLE MAN, OF SIMPLE BIRTH. HE WAS BORN IN NEWARK, NJ ON SEPTEMBER 15, 1922. HE WAS PART OF WHAT THEY CALL “THE GREAT GENERATION”, THE ONE THAT STOOD BEFORE THE REST OF US GOT HERE-- THE ONE THAT GOT ALL OF US HERE. HIS FATHER, JACOB AUTH, OWNED A HARDWARE STORE IN NEWARK. GRANDPA JAKE LOST THE BUSINESS IN THE ECONOMIC CALAMITY OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION, AND TIMES GOT HARD. GROWING UP AS YOUNG BOY IN THE 30’S, HE LEARNED TO ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS, LIKE PLAYING STICKBALL WITH HIS BUDDIES IN AN EMPTY LOT DOWN THE STREET, AND LISTENING TO THE RADIO WITH HIS SISTER, OUR AUNT RITA, AND HIS MOM AND DAD. WHEN THE WAR BROKE OUT, HE WAS IN LINE WITH THE REST HIS OF FRIENDS TO GET INTO THE FIGHT, BUT AT 120 POUNDS, HE WAS FIVE POUNDS UNDER THE MINIMUM TO JOIN THE NAVY. HE ENLISTED ANYWAY, AND ATE SEVERAL BUNCHES OF BANANAS THE MORNING OF HIS PHYSICAL TO GET HIMSELF OVER THE TOP. THAT WAS DAD. ALWAYS THE OPTIMIST, NEVER WILLING TO ACCEPT THE WORDS “CAN’T BE DONE.”. HE GOT INTO THE NAVY, SERVED OUR COUNTRY ADMIRABLY FOR HIS FULL TERM, AND CAME BACK TO TELL THE TALE. AFTER THE WAR, HE TRIED HIS HAND AT COLLEGE, BUT HE RAN OUT OF MONEY, SO HE TOOK ON A UNION APPRENTICESHIP AND BECAME A STEAMFITTER. IT WAS TOUGH WORK, AND DIRTY WORK, CRAWLING IN AND OUT OF BOILERS, PULLING OUT ASBESTOS-LADEN PIPE WRAPPING, CUTTING PIPES. HE WAS PROUD OF WHAT HE DID. IT WAS HIS PROFESSION, AND I’D DARE SAY HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST STEAMFITTERS IN THE CITY OF NEWARK IN HIS DAY. HE MET OUR MOM AT ARTHUR MURRAY’S DANCE STUDIO, AND FELL IN LOVE. THEY MARRIED ON APRIL 24, 1953. THE FOUR OF US, MY THREE SISTERS AND I, ALL FOLLOWED IN DUE COURSE. EVER PRATCIAL, HE USED TO TELL ME THAT HE WAS VERY FRUSTRATED THAT ALL THREE OF MY SISTERS, WHO WERE BORN IN EARLY JANUARY TO EARLY FEBRUARY, DIDN’T COME A FEW WEEKS EARLIER SO HE COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE EXTRA TAX DEDUCTION. IN THOSE YEARS, MY DAD OFTEN WORKED TWO FULL TIME JOBS TO MAKE ENDS MEET, AND THEN, ON HIS VACATION, HE WOULD GET A JOB ON CONSTRUCTION IN ORDER TO PAY FOR THE FAMILY’S VACATION BUNGALOW ON THE JERSEY SHORE. HE’D COME DOWN EACH WEEKEND TO BE WITH US. HE AND MOM PUT ALL FOUR OF US THROUGH COLLEGE AT GREAT PERSONAL SACRIFICE, THOUGH I NEVER ONCE HEARD HIM, OR MY MOM FOR THAT MATTER, MENTION THAT SACRIFICE. HE RETIRED FINALLY AT AGE 67 IN 1989, AND ENJOYED A WONDERFUL RETIREMENT IN TOMS RIVER WITH MY MOM. JUST A LITTLE OVER FOUR WEEKS AGO, HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER—ALL OVER HIS BODY. HE DIED PEACEFULLY IN HIS SLEEP AT 1:15 AM ON FEBRUARY 21; ALL OF US WERE THERE THAT NIGHT TO TUCK HIM IN FOR THE LAST TIME. ON THE SURFACE, THAT WHOLE STORY PROBABLY SEEMS PRETTY “NORMAL” TO YOU, AND ON ONE LEVEL, IT WAS. BUT OUR DAD WAS VERY FAR FROM NORMAL. I BELIEVE IN MY HEART THAT HE WAS A LIVING SAINT. AND I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT BELIEVES THAT. IN FACT, IF THERE IS ONE WORD THAT I’VE HEARD MOST FREQUENTLY USED BY OTHERS TO DESCRIBE MY DAD OVER THE COURSE OF HIS 85 YEARS OF LIFE, ‘SAINT’ IS THAT WORD. I KNOW THAT FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIPS ARE SOMETIMES STORMY, WITH THEIR “UPS AND DOWNS.” THANKS TO DAD, MINE WAS NEVER LIKE THAT. MINE WAS BEAUTIFUL, THROUGH AND THROUGH. WHEN I WAS A BOY, I CERTAINLY REMEMBER TIMES WHEN HE’D ‘PUNISH’ ME FOR SOME MISDEAMNOR OR THE OTHER, BUT NEVER ONCE DID HE SPEAK TO ME WITH ANGER IN HIS VOICE. WHEN I GREW INTO A MAN, HE BECAME MY FRIEND, MY BEST FRIEND. WE NEVER QUARRELLED, NEVER FUSSED. WE SHARED MANY COMMON HOBBIES AND INTERESTS-- HIS GRANDSONS, OF COURSE, THEN, GARDENING, GOLF, CHESS, CARDS, GIN MARTINIS, DRY, STRAIGHT UP, TWO OLIVES –AND ENJOYED THOSE TOGETHER OFTEN. IF I WAS TRAVELLING OR DISTRACTED WITH WORK OR MY OWN FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES, AND COULDN’T GET DOWN TO SEE HIM AND MOM FOR A SPELL, HE’D NEVER ONCE COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT WHEN I FINALLY SHOWED UP. INSTEAD, WE PICKED UP INSTANTLY WHERE WE’D LAST LEFT OFF, AND HEAD OUT FOR A ROUND OF GOLF. WE’D ENJOY THE MOMENT. OF COURSE, MY DAD WAS A LOT MORE THAN MY BEST FRIEND. FROM CHILDHOOD ON, HE WAS MY TEACHER, MY COACH, AND, AFTER MY MOM, MY BIGGEST FAN. AND HE WAS THAT FOR EACH OF MY SISTERS TOO; HE LOVED US ALL EQUALLY, HAD SPECIAL PLACES FOR ALL OF US IN HIS BIG HEART. MY SISTERS AND I NEVER STOPPED LEARNING FROM HIM, AND WE PROBBALY NEVER WILL, AT LEAST UNTIL, IF GOD PERMITS IT, WE JOIN HIM IN HEAVEN. HE TAUGHT US THE GREAT VIRTUES OF LIFE. HE DID IT ALMOST EFFORTLESSLY, WITHOUT PREACHING OR LECTURING, HE DID IT THE BEST WAY IT COULD BE DONE: BY EXAMPLE, BY LIVING THE GREAT VIRTUES HIMSELF, EVERY DAY, EVERY MOMENT. DAD TAUGHT ME INTEGRITY, FIRST AND FOREMOST. “YOUR WORD IS YOUR BOND” HE’D ALWAYS SAY. I DON’T BELIEVE HE EVER ONCE TOLD A LIE HIS WHOLE LIFE. THE GOODNESS THAT EVERYONE SAW ON THE OUTSIDE CAME NATURALLY FROM WITHIN HIM; HE WAS WHOLE, ONE WITH HIMSELF. I ALWAYS FELF THAT IF THERE WERE ONE THING I COULD DO THAT MIGHT CAUSE DAD TREMENDOUS GRIEF, IT WOULD BE TO BE UNTRUE TO MY WORD. FOR HIM, INTEGRITY WAS THE BEGINNING AND END OF BEING A MAN. DAD TAUGHT ME PERSERVERENCE. THERE WAS NO TASK HE EVER SAW AS UNCONQUERABLE. HE WOULD JUST CHIP AWAY AT IT UNTIL IT GOT DONE. NONE OF US WILL EVER FORGET HIS FAMOUS BATTLE WITH THE MAPLE TREE OUTSIDE HIS HOUSE IN TOMS RIVER. THE TREE’S ROOTS WERE EVERYWHERE, GETTING INTO HIS DRIVEWAY AND WALK, AND HE WANTED TO CUT THE TREE DOWN. THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION WOULD NOT LET HIM. SO INSTEAD, HE SPENT DAYS CUTTING A TWO FOOT DEEP TRENCH THROUGH THE ROOTS, AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TREE’S SHADE LINE, HEMMING IT IN. I THOUGHT IT COULDN’T BE DONE, BUT HE DID IT, AND HE SAVED HIS DRVIEWAY FROM THAT TREE. DAD TAUGHT ME EXCELLENCE. HE WAS COMPETITIVE TO THE CORE, AND BELIEVED THAT IN EVERYTHING YOU DID, YOU SHOULD DO IT TO THE VERY BEST OF YOUR ABILITY: “LEAVE NOTHING ON THE COURT,” HE’D URGE. IN ALL THE GAMES I PLAYED WITH HIM OVER THE YEARS, I NEVER ONCE EXPERIENCED HIM LETTING ME WIN ANYTHING BY LETTING DOWN HIS GUARD. IN PING PONG, WHEN I WAS STILL A TEEN, I REMEMBER BEING ALMOST TERRIFIED BY THE POWER OF HIS OVERHAND TOP SPIN. GAME AFTER GAME, MONTH AFTER MONTH, YEAR AFTER YEAR, HE’D CRUSH ME. BUT GRADUALLY, EVER SO GRADUALLY, EVERY GAME I GOT BETTER. AND EVENTUALLY, I WON, “FAIR AND SQUARE,” AS HE WOULD SAY. LET ME TELL YOU WHAT HE TAUGHT ME WHEN I FINALLY WON. HE TAUGHT ME MAGNANIMITY, GRACE. AS MUCH AS HE WANTED TO WIN THAT GAME, FROM THE MOMENT I BEAT HIM, 24-22, OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, A HUGE SMILE WELLED UP FROM INSIDE HIM, AND HE HUGGED ME AND CONGRATULATED ME AND SEEMED HAPPIER THAN I WAS THAT I’D WON. HE WAS THAT WAY TILL THE END. “THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN A SORE LOSER,” HE’D SAY. I REMEMBER JUST ONE WEEK AGO TODAY, OUR LAST CARD GAME TOGETHER, LATE MONDAY NIGHT. FIVE CARD STUD, DEUCES WILD, HIS FAVORITE. HE WAS ONE HAND AWAY FROM BANKRUPTING ME, BUT I WON THAT HAND WITH THREE TENS, AND BATTLED HIM BACK TO A DRAW. DAD HAD A BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE THAT NIGHT. DAD TAUGHT ME GENEROSITY. FROM WHEN I WAS A SMALL BOY, HE URGED ME ALWAYS TO “LOOK OUT FOR THE OTHER GUY.” IF A FRIEND WAS OVER FOR DINNER, HE ALWAYS MADE SURE I GAVE HIM THE LARGER HALF OF WHATEVER WE WERE DIVIDING UP. THAT GENEROSITY CARRIED HIM THROUGH HIS ENTIRE LIFE. LAST TUESDAY, WHEN I WAS UP TO SEE HIM, WHERE HE WAS RESTING IN HIS WHEELCHAIR WITH MY MOM AT HIS SIDE, I WAS LOOKING AROUND FOR A CHAIR TO SIT ON. MY DAD AT THIS STAGE COULDN’T STAND ON HIS OWN, AND HE WAS A BIT DISORIENTED. HE WAS OPERATING ON INSTINCT, FROM WITHIN HIMSELF: “TAKE MY CHAIR, STEVE.,” HE OFFERED. FATHER MARTIN, I KNOW I’M PUSHING THE LIMIT HERE, OR PAST THE LIMIT, ON THE TIME ALLOWED FOR THIS EULOGY. BUT LET ME OFFER JUST ONE LAST VIRTUE THAT DAD EXUDED THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE: EMPATHY. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN THE VIRTUE THAT ENERGIZED ALL HIS OTHERS. I KNOW THAT SOME FAMOUS POLITICIANS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR ABILITY TO “FEEL” THE PAIN OF OTHERS, AND DAD WASN’T FAMOUS. BUT HE TRULY DID FEEL OTHERS’ PAIN, IN HIS HEART. IT WAS WHY HE NEVER GOT UPSET WITH ANYONE, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY’D DONE TO HIM OR TO OTHERS. HE COULD FEEL THE PAIN THEY HAD THAT MUST HAVE CAUSED THEM TO DO IT. ANOTHER INCIDENT FROM LAST WEEK OCCURS TO ME JUST NOW. MOM AND I WERE HAVING LUNCH WITH HIM, (SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS, A SPECIAL REQUEST, WITH A GLASS OF CHIANTI), UP IN THE HEALTH CENTER. DAD WAS ON HIS LAST LEGS, LITERALLY, JUST 48 HOURS FROM DEATH. ACROSS FROM US, A STROKE VICTIM, SEMI PARALYZED BUT OTHERWISE STILL HEALTHY, WAS BEING FED HIS LUNCH BY ONE OF THE NURSES. AS THEY WHEELED THE MAN AWAY, DAD WHISPERED TO ME, “GEE, I FEEL SO BAD FOR THAT POOR GUY.” ALL OF THESE LESSONS WERE THE GIFTS THAT DAD LEFT FOR US, ONES THAT THOSE OF US WHO KNEW HIM AND LOVED HIM WILL KEEP CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS. FOR ME, HIS GREATEST GIFT WAS HIS CONFIDENCE IN GOD. WE DID NOT TALK SPIRTUALITY THAT FREQUENTLY, BUT LIKE ALL THE OTHER VIRTUES, DAD LIVED IT, AND THAT WAS ENOUGH. DAD CHERISHED HIS FAITH, AND HIS BELIEF IN GOD AND IN CHRIST JESUS WAS UNWAVERING, DEEP, UNQUESTIONABLE. HE AND MY MOM PARTICIPATED ACTIVELY IN THE CHURCH, AND GAVE US ALL A RICH PRAYER LIFE. I KNOW HE’S LIVING HIS LOVE OF GOD EVEN MORE FULLY NOW, WITH JESUS AND THE SAINTS AND ALL THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN. I WOULD NOT HAVE THE CATHOLIC FAITH AND TRADITIONS THAT SO ENRICH MY LIFE TODAY IF IT WERE NOT FOR MY DAD AND MY MOM. I’VE READ THAT OFTEN THE APPROPRIATE WAY TO END A EULOGY LIKE THIS IS WITH A POEM, OR A GREAT THOUGHT FROM A GREAT MAN. I’M GOING TO CHOOSE THE LATTER COURSE. THE NIGHT BEFORE HE DIED, AS HE WAS DOSING OFF TO SLEEP, HE GESTURED FOR ME TO PUT MY EAR TO HIS LIPS SO HE COULD TELL ME SOMETHING, WHAT WERE TO BECOME FOR ME THE LAST WORDS I CAN REMEMBER THAT HE TOLD ME. THESE WERE THE WORDS HE SPOKE: “GIVE MY LOVE TO EVERYONE.” Spoken by Stephen F. Auth, with his sisters Deborah, Catherine, and Joan Marie at his side, at the funeral Mass for their father, Frank J. Auth February 25, 2008

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Rosemarie and Walter Bauer posted a condolence

Monday, February 25, 2008

With many fond memories of our friendship together - Rosemarie and Walter Bauer

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Richard Auth posted a condolence

Sunday, February 24, 2008

I love you grandpa

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Linda and Bob Corcoran posted a condolence

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Auth, Debbie, Steve, Kathy, Joanie, and the rest of the family. I remember the days that I hung out with Debbie at her house when I first met her, and how her Dad and Mom welcomed me into their home. From those times on, we developed a friendship that always picked up from the last time we had dropped off, to the present time. Never seemed like it was awhile since we had seen each other. I am so very thankful for all that your Dad taught you as you grew up, because my dear friend Debbie, you mean the world to me. Thankyou, Mr. Auth, for giving me such a good friend. I love you, Deb, and truly care for your family too. May God Bless you and your family. Love, Linda and Bob

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Victoria Schrager posted a condolence

Saturday, February 23, 2008

So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and father, and grandfather. Through you all, his memory lives on. Warmly, V.Schrager

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Patricia Gallagher Lindsay posted a condolence

Saturday, February 23, 2008

I remember our families getting together when I was a child. We always had a good time! Dad and Mr. Auth were such good friends. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Patricia

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Laura Corrubia posted a condolence

Saturday, February 23, 2008

It is very difficult losing a parent, my deepest sympathy to all. May Mr. Auth's soul rest in peace. He will remain in our hearts and not be forgotten. God bless!

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judi, Gerry and Emily posted a condolence

Saturday, February 23, 2008

I will always remember you. You were a wonderful man and your children loved you very much. It was a pleasure to know you. We will all miss you greatly. Thanks to you, I have a fabulous friend!

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Patty Goodman posted a condolence

Saturday, February 23, 2008

While I haven't had the opportunity to know Mr. Auth well, I am one of his daughter Cathy's best friends. My thoughts and love go out to Cathy and to her family. My memories of Mr. Auth are those that I learned through Cathy and I know how loved he was.

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Phil Schneider posted a condolence

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Dear Steve and family, I am sorry to read of your Dad's passing. When I began school in 1962 my Dad told me your father was his friend when he was a kid, and you became the first person I thought of as a friend at St. Leo. The last I heard of you I was watching a telivision commercial of you being a financial rep for pru in Japan. I'm sorry that things didn't work out at Joe Bell's. I remember your Dad from Cub Scout Troop 222. You were lucky to have him for this long. I will pray for him. Please give me a call when you have chance, I'm in Westfield (908) 233-6437. As Fr. Foran would say, "Hazard Zet Forward".

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Kathy Gallagher Strasbourg posted a condolence

Friday, February 22, 2008

I will always remember Mr. Auth as a good friend of my parents during my childhood. My memories of those days are filled with playing, singing and laughing together. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Auth and your entire family.

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Joe (Dodi) D'Erasmo posted a condolence

Friday, February 22, 2008

I haven't seen Hank and Anna for many years; but my memories of Hank reflect a warm and cheerful man who defined the word "civil" by his reasonable and compassionate manner. I just know that he is going to a higher plane of existence and my Aunt Anna will be OK. God Bless...DoDi

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Meg & Don Seminara posted a condolence

Friday, February 22, 2008

We are sorry for your loss. We remember Uncle Hank always having a smile and giving a friendly welcome to all. We will miss him at the family gatherings. He will always be in our hearts. Love, Meg, Don and Brian Seminara

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Lisa Rainha posted a condolence

Friday, February 22, 2008

May you rest in peace and may God bless your family during this difficult time.

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Mary Gallagher posted a condolence

Friday, February 22, 2008

Hank will always have a special place in my heart. He was a boyhood friend of my husband, Tom, and was best man at our wedding. I have many, many happy memories of the good times we shared. Hank will always be "best man". My love and prayers are with Ann and their children.

In loving memory of

Frank

1922 - 2008