Hello, my name is Francisco 'Frank' Gutierrez Junior. My father, Francisco R. Gutierrez of Linden, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on September 17, 2022. He had many health problems but overcame them with strength, grit, and an amazing sense of humor that made friends of strangers and kept all who knew him in stitches. He kept family, friends, and friends he hadn't met yet alike laughing until tears came, and was known for his exuberant love for life.

My father proudly worked as a corrections officer at Rahway State Prison for 25 years, raised my sister Leslie Veguez and myself with love, and was a proud first responder during the attacks on the Twin Towers on 9/11. He was also a proud grandfather to Victor, Rashan, Ishmael, Talesee, and Robert, as well as a proud great-grandfather to Little Victor, Elena, Leah, Jace, and Jasiah. He was a loving brother to Elsie and Sandy, and devoted son to Elsa, who is undoubtedly happy to meet him in Heaven. His loss feels insurmountable, and we miss him terribly.

All expenses from this GoFundMe will go directly to his wife, Elsie Gutierrez, so that she can give him the funeral and memorial he deserves after years of selfless service and pride, not only in his family, but in his country.