Obituary of Frank P Diassi, Jr.

Frank P. Diassi, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregivers on April 5, 2025 at his home in Far Hills, NJ.

Frank was born on March 1, 1933 in Morristown, N.J. He was the youngest son of Italian immigrant parents, Frank and Angelina Diassi.  He graduated from Morristown High School in 1950 and went on to receive his BS in Chemistry from Rutgers University in 1954.  He received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth  School of Business in 1960.  Frank served in the United States Airforce and was a retired Captain.   Mr. Diassi was an adjunct professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Business.  

Frank P. Diassi had a long successful business career.  He was a Senior Executive with Conoco Oil Company from 1957 to 1967.   He took his knowledge and love for entrepreneurship and started his first company, Merrill Chemical in Dubuque IA, which produced gelatin.  He went on to found Darill Industries in Chicago IL.  Frank was the first to produce non-phosphate detergent and introduced it to the United States. He then started producing private label soaps and detergents for major stores such as Marshall Fields and A&P.

Mr. Diassi was General Partner of Unicorn Venture Funds from 1982 to 2022 which originated investments in over 100 entrepreneurial companies.  Mr. Diassi was also a founder and director of Mail-Well Corporation (now known as Cenveo) which is a New York Stock Exchange traded firm.   Mr. Diassi was the former  Chairman of the Board of Hawkeye Chemical Company and was the founding director of Arcadian Corporation, the  largest investor-owned nitrogen fertilizer company in North America.  

Mr. Diassi was the Chairman and CEO of Sterling Chemical, a publicly traded company and was the Chairman and owner of Amerlux Lighting Solutions, a global architectural lighting design company.  Mr. Diassi was also the Chairman and owner of Unicorn HRO, LLC, a national HR/payroll/benefits outsourcing company.   

He was a longtime patron of the Metropolitan Opera, a world traveler, an avid golf and tennis player, but most of all he loved to be home working in his gardens. He was respected by his peers, and his large circle of friends, and colleagues. They appreciated his knowledge of a vast number of topics, which he had the ability to give a lecture on at a moment’s notice with his inexhaustible supply of energy, and his passion to succeed.  Frank leaves behind a legacy of warmth and generosity with donations to Morristown Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago and Loyola Retreat House.

Frank was married to his loving wife of 66 years Marianne R Diassi (Sullivan) who predeceased him 2019.  He was also predeceased by his son Frank P. Diassi III 2020 his brother Dr Patrick Diassi  and his sister Geraldine Santangelo  Who I am sure were all there to greet him at heavens gates.   He is survived by his caring children Camille Diassi of Tewksbury, NJ, David and Gail Diassi of Bethlehem NJ, and Timothy and Lydia Diassi of Far Hills, NJ.  Frank had  three grandchildren who were the love of his life , Gabrielle (Diassi) Shah (Sagar), Nicholas P Diassi and Brianna Diassi. 

A private ceremony is planned for the family. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Loyola Jesuit Center, 161 James Street Morristown, NJ 07960 Phone: 973-539-0740,