Guy Cavalieri, 92, passed away peacefully at the Wexford in Wall on June 19, 2016, Father’s Day Sunday. He was born and raised in Boston, MA, by Italian-American immigrant parents during the Great Depression. After graduating Somerville High School, Guy enlisted in the US Navy. Guy was among many Americans known as the “greatest generation” for his heroic service during WWII in the Asian, African, and European theatres as a Radioman First Class on the destroyer escorts USS Garfield Thomas and USS Eisner.
Following his discharge from the US Navy, Guy relocated to Monmouth County, married his beloved Gilda Madonna, the love of his life for whom he was truly a devoted husband of 58 years and caretaker until her passing in 2007. He is also predeceased by his brother, Dominick, Lawrence (Cubby), Joseph, and sisters Filomena and Concetta (Connie). He is survived by his sister, Eva, of Cape Cod, MA, his children Frank and wife Kathleen (Davis) Cavalieri of Spring Lake Heights, Ralph Cavalieri of Neptune, and Guy Cavalieri, Jr., of Manasquan. He also leaves his grandchildren Michelle Cavalieri of Manasquan, Michael and wife Telby of Wall, Frank Cavalieri Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA, Raphael Cavalieri of Neptune, Morgan Cavalieri of Manasquan, Mark Cavalieri of Wall, Matthew Cavalieri of Manasquan, and two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Michael.
Guy was owner of Guy’s Package Store in Neptune for 63 years. He was a long time resident of Gables Section of Neptune, then Fairway Mews, Spring Lake Heights. He was actively involved in numerous endeavors as a Neptune Township business owner which included the Neptune Housing Authority. He was a parishioner of Holy Innocents Church in Neptune, then St. Denis Church in Manasquan. Guy and Gilda looked forward to trips to Acapulco yearly, and later wintering in West Palm Beach among numerous friends. Guy was a member of the Spring Lake Golf Club for over 40 years where he enjoyed golfing and playing gin rummy with his buddies up until he reached the “Super Senior House Member” status at 90. Guy was known in both business and socially as a kind, generous, and loyal friend. His legacy was his devotion and loyalty to his wife, unconditional love for family, a strong work ethic and being a proud American.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24, 2016 from 3 – 7 PM at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Route 35, Wall, NJ. Private burial will be at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society. For more information or to send condolences, visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.