Gabriel R. Calafati

Obituary of Gabriel R. Calafati
Gabriel R. Calafati, 93, of Jackson Township passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Newark and was a long-time resident of Colonia before settling in Jackson in 2020. Gabriel was a dedicated and hardworking man, serving as the Chairman and President of Frank Briscoe Company Inc. He began his career at the company in 1949 as a carpenter and worked his way up to become an estimator before ultimately retiring as the president. He was respected by all who knew him. One of Gabriel's greatest accomplishments was meeting the love of his life at a high school football game. They were together for an incredible 74 years and would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in April. Their love was a true testament to commitment and devotion. In his free time, Gabriel had a passion for traveling the world, dining out, and spending summers at the shore house with his family. He was a member of the Colonial Country Club for over 30 years and belonged to Tiro A Segno of New York and the Essex County Carpenters Union. Gabriel will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends.
He is predeceased by his son, Brian Calafati. Gabriel is survived by his wife, Anna Calafati of Jackson; two sons, Peter Calafati and his wife, Roseann of Jackson and Rodney Calafati and his wife, Therese of Sparta; eight grandchildren, Helen, Nicholas, Maria, Nancy, Anthony, Anna, Serena, Claudia; fifteen great grandchildren; sisters, Rose Rowley and Angela Palmer; brother, Gerardo Calafati and his wife, Marie.
A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 529), Freehold Township on Monday, February 10th, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:15 AM Funeral Mass at St. Cecelia Church, 45 Wilus Way, Iselin, New Jersey 08830 on Tuesday, February 11,2025. Interment will follow at Saint Gertrude Cemetery and Mausoleum, 53 Inman Avenue, Colonia, NJ 07067. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com