Obituary of Frank Theodore Mathisen

Frank T. Mathisen, age 90, of Annandale, NJ, formerly of Lindenhurst, NY, passed peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at the Hunterdon Care Center in Raritan Township, NJ. Frank was born April 28, 1929 in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, NY. He is the son of the late Frank T. Mathisen Sr. and the late Grace (Meitzler) Mathisen.

Frank was a 1947 graduate of Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn where he excelled in art, receiving many awards for his artistic achievements. Prior to deploying to Korea with the United States Army, Frank married the love of his life Gabriella (Billie) D'Amato. Frank would serve eighteen months overseas during the Korean War, and achieved the rank of Staff Sargent.

After returning home he and Billie would settle on Long Island where they would raise their family. Frank had a long and successful career in advertising at Cunningham & Walsh, eventually rising to the position of Traffic Executive. For his contributions to many notable campaigns, including those for Jaguar, Jergens, Proctor & Gamble, American Motors, and Folgers Coffee, Frank received awards and acclamations. At the time of his retirement in 1989, and after almost fifty years with Cunningham & Walsh, Frank had been with the company longer than any other employee.

Frank was known for his love and skill at decorating and gardening. The Christmas season was a special time for him, and he was famous for his Christmas trees, which were decorated with nearly 500 ornaments. Each year it was a labor of love that was eagerly anticipated by all in his family.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of sixty-six years, Gabriella (D'Amato) Mathisen, his daughter, Susan Anne Mathisen, of New York City and Hudson, NY; his son, Peter M. Mathisen and his wife Catherine of Annandale, NJ, his brother, Robert Mathisen of Vero Beach, FL. He is also survived by two grandsons, Paul Mathisen and Ted Mathisen.

A life celebration service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to celebrate Frank's love of New York City and requests that donations be made through IN MEMORY OF, to the Historic Districts Council, the advocate for New York's historic neighborhoods at https://inmemof.org/frank-t-mathisen

Arrangements are under the care of the Martin Funeral Home in Clinton NJ. To share memories or to send condolences please visit www.martinfh.com