Carl De Cesare

Carl DeCesare, 83, of Ocean, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2023 in his home, just shy of his 84th birthday. 

Carl leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Theresa DeCesare, his daughter Denise DeCesare, his grandchildren, Michael DeCesare, Damon Powell and Vito DeCesare, his sister Arlene and brother in-law, Colonel Joseph Vercellone, his nieces Pam Vercellone Smith, Lisa Vercellone Hunt, his nephew Jimmy Vercellone, and many other cherished cousins, relatives and friends. 

Carl was born on November 14, 1939 to Michael and Eleanor DeCesare. He graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1957 and then attended St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. On September 23, 1962, he married the love of his life, Theresa Grasso.  They had two children, Michael DeCesare and Denise DeCesare.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve in 1966, he decided he wanted to be an entrepreneur.  He began by helping run the family businesses including Perry’s Bowling Alley and Perry’s Trophy Co., both in Long Branch, NJ.  In 1970, he bought the trophy company from his cousin and turned it into one of the most well known awards companies in the area.  After 52 years, he retired in 2022. 

Carl was known in his younger years as being very athletic.  He noted in his high school yearbook that he wanted to be a champion ice skater.  He was an expert skier and avid golfer, two hobbies he enjoyed with his cousin and best friend, Ron Juliano. 

He will always be remembered for his distinct and infectious laugh which is carried on by his daughter. 

With the recent tragic loss of his son, Michael DeCesare, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the trust fund for Michael’s son, Vito DeCesare. Checks can be made payable to: Vito DeCesare Trust Address: 5 Rawson Cir. Ocean, NJ 07712

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 10:30am - 12:30pm at BUCKLEY FUNERAL HOME, 509 2nd. Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.