Gerard "Jerry" Cafone

Gerard "Jerry" Cafone
July 8, 1929 – October 21, 2025
Semi-Pro Baseball Player, Army veteran, Retired Graphic Artist
Gerard "Jerry" Cafone, of Tom River, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Jerry was born in Nutley, NJ to Annunziato and Vincenzina Cafone, he was the devoted husband of 71 years to Helen Joan Cafone (nee Woodhouse).
Married in 1953, Jerry and Helen moved to Sparta, WI when he was drafted. Upon discharge from the Army, they returned to Nutley to raise their family. In 1965, Jerry's job relocated them to Schaumburg, Illinois for 2 years after which they returned to Nutley where they resided until 1977 before moving to Waretown NJ. They retired to Toms River, NJ, in 2002.
A gifted artist, Jerry attended the Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts. He was employed for many years with Parker Kalon in Clifton NJ and his last employment prior to retirement was with Graf Graphics in Bound Brook, NJ.
Jerry attended Nutley High School and played 1st base for his entire 4 years of school. He continued playing baseball most of his young adult years, including semipro ball and had the opportunity to play with Billy Martin of the New York Yankees while in the US Army for 2 years in 1953 and 1954.
An avid Mets fan and he and Helen spent 30 years attending Spring Training in Florida, where he met many players and presented many with drawings he made of them.
Jerry is survived by his son Jerry and daughter-in-law Lynne (Larcara) of Lavallette, NJ; son Niel and daughter-in-law, Toni (Hughes) of Egg Harbor City, NJ; Grandchildren Jeff and wife Melissa (Rosenthal) of San Diego, CA; Gina Cafone of Smithville, NJ; Dana (Cafone) Wescoat and Husband Joe of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was predeceased by his wife Helen, his mother Vincenzina and father Annunziato,
his brothers Ralph, Nick, Tom, John, James, Julio, Louis, George and his sisters, Lucy Dropko and Rose Zinicola.
Visiting will be on Friday October 24, 2025 at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St. Nutley from 10:30 am to 12 Noon. Respecting the family's wishes, the funeral service and interment will be private.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting swbrownandson.com.