Obituary of Robert A Cacciarelli
Robert Anthony Cacciarelli, 79, of Port Murray, NJ passed away on October 15, 2024 in the home he built and loved with his adoring family by his side.
Robert was born on June 12, 1945 in Newark, NJ to the late Anthony and Julia Cacciarelli (nee Sayna). He grew up in Belleville, NJ where his father owned and operated A.R. Cacciarelli, Builder. As a young boy he began working with him and found great delight in carpentry and woodworking. Robert spent summers at the family's "country house" in Mansfield and fell in love with the beauty and peace in rural NJ. He was a graduate of Belleville High School and went on to open R.A. Cacciarelli, Builder, specializing in custom homes. His love of carpentry and the country house led to him putting his roots down in Mansfield and that is where he stayed for over 50 years, raising his family and growing his business.
He said that he never felt like he worked a day in his life because of how much he loved what he did. He was a true craftsman. His love of carpentry and creating influenced both of his children to follow careers in construction and architecture with his son, Anthony working alongside of him for many, many years and his daughter, Julia graduating with degrees in architecture. Robert continued to work until last year when his health began to fail. His family, friends and customers will cherish all of the beautiful, custom work that he so lovingly created for them. He left them all a piece of himself in every handcrafted item.
Robert was a loving, devoted and loyal father, grandfather, brother, and friend and was incredibly dear to his extended family. He led his life with deep-rooted values and was the most selfless person ~ he would help anyone in need. Many times, he would get a call and leave mid-meal to go and help a friend or family member with any problem. He was trustworthy, hardworking, and generous. He gave silently and never looked for recognition for his actions.
Robert was a known prankster and relished coming up with hilarious shenanigans with his close buddies. He loved playing cards, cooking, and making homemade beer and wine. He was happiest when he was making homemade pizza for his family. He savored the closeness as everyone sat around his kitchen table, eating and laughing. He always said that food tasted better when shared. He treasured creating countless masterpieces in his workshop, riding his tractor, hunting, shooting, and just the simple pleasure sitting on his porch with someone to share a beer and good conversation.
Beautiful, happy memories of being together will forever be in the hearts of his family and friends.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Julia Horner and her husband Jeffrey; son, Anthony Cacciarelli and his wife Jennifer; their children, Alexa and Jake; stepdaughter, Wanda Gonzales and her husband Luis; their children, Mariah and Ashley; stepdaughter, Gwen Kark and her husband Chris and their children, Caden, Colston and Grady. He is also survived by his brother, Alex Cacciarelli; sister, Elaine Cacciarelli; nephews, Tony Cacciarelli and his wife Julie; Guy Cacciarelli and his wife Dusty; Alex Cacciarelli and his wife Cristi; great nephews, Jack, Joey and Rogie Cacciarelli; and so many precious family and loyal friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister-in-law, JoAnn Cacciarelli.
"That's Our Dad"
A tape measure in his pocket, a whiskery kiss. And hundreds of answers to, "Daddy, what's this?" That's our dad.
A hand on our shoulder, some money for gas. In difficult times, "This too shall pass." That's our dad.
A door open wide, a welcoming smile. A love that has followed us mile after mile. That's our dad.
So many rich memories and words of advice. Unwavering love and immense sacrifice. That's our dad.
THANK YOU, DAD. ~ Julia & Anthony
In abiding with Robert's wishes, all services will be private. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert's name to either the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at www.mskcc.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org
