Louis A. Cabassa

Louis A. Cabassa

AGE: 85 • Perth Amboy

Louis A. Cabassa, 85, of Perth Amboy, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Born to the late Alberto and Monserrate Cabassa on July 29, 1928 in New York, NY, Louis spent his early years in New York before moving with his family to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

When his parents returned to New York a few years later, young Louis remained in Puerto Rico where he lived with his maternal grandmother until returning to New York in 1944. He completed his secondary education at the High School of Commerce and upon graduation, enlisted in the United States Navy where he served two years before obtaining an honorable discharge and retuning to civilian life in New York. He continued his education at the City University of New York where he studied accounting and in 1949 married his longtime sweetheart, Myrta Rodriguez of Puerto Rico. They began their family which would grow to include 5 children in 1950.

Lou held various accounting positions for manufacturing firms including Lily Tulip Corporation and Fedders Quiet Cool through 1970 when, alongside wife Myrta, he opened a business office in Perth Amboy providing travel, insurance and accounting services. He later expanded the business to include a driving school where he served as primary instructor. After selling the business in 1977, he went on to work for the Perth Amboy Board of Education for several years.

Louis was one of a group of civic minded friends in Perth Amboy and became one of the early Latino candidates to run for elected office in the City by the Bay, making bids for City Council in 1976 and Mayor in the mid 1980s. He was subsequently elected to the Perth Amboy Board of Education where he proudly served for several years before retiring in the early 1990's.

Known for his abundant energy and vibrant personality, Lou enjoyed all types of sport, excelling throughout his youth in baseball and later starring in high level industrial fast-pitch softball leagues as his professional baseball aspirations gave way to a growing family. He played softball competitively into his 50s and was an avid golfer and bowler, playing in leagues and outings into his 80s. His passion for music was well known, as was his love of dancing salsa which he did whenever the music filled the air - always the first on the dance floor, always the last to leave.

Predeceased by his first wife Myrta Rodriguez, sister Providencia Cabassa and brother Santiago Cabassa, Louis is survived by his current wife Dolores Cortes-Cabassa, brother Israel Cabassa, sister Noemi Cabassa, children Elaine Taranto, Albert Cabassa, Suzanne Rivera, David Cabassa and Joseph Cabassa, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 Stepchildren, Sonia Neira, Robert Perez and Enrique Perezand, also survived by a loving multitude of nephews, nieces, in-laws and long-time friends. His smile, spirit, compassion and love of life will be missed though never forgotten.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25th from 2pm to 6pm at the Ana Maria Zevallos/Skrocki Home for Funerals, 467 State Street, Perth Amboy. Services will be followed by a Family Reception to be held at Ed and Mary's Hall, 555 Penn Street, also in Perth Amboy, from 7pm to 9pm. Private cremation.