John Massa DiCesare

John Massa DiCesare, age 50 of Lanoka Harbor passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. John was born in Bayonne and moved to Lacey at a young age. He graduated from Lacey High School and continued his quest for knowledge at Rutgers University and Jersey City University, ultimately earning three bachelor's degrees. John encouraged others to further their education, especially his sister-in-law, Deirdre, who attributes her career in social work to him.
His proudest accomplishment was serving his country as a United States Marine and he was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In addition to his military service, John was a third-generation owner/operator of Massa's Tavern in Bayonne. He was a communicant of St. Barnabas RC Church, Bayville, NJ. John loved to read and was an avid writer and contributor to many online forums. John was very creative and expressed his creativity through painting. He produced many beautiful works of art, one of which is prominently displayed at the Kearney Police Precinct, as well as in several local homes and businesses. John also enjoyed many outdoor activities. He loved to swim, snowboard, run, ride dirt bikes and motorcycles and go spearfishing.
Most importantly, John was a kind and gentle soul who adored animals and loved spending time with his nine rescue cats. John also loved to travel and dine out with his wife, Erin. Their favorite place to spend time was Long Beach Island where they enjoyed many meals at Mud City Crab House and Howard's, which he counted among his favorites. John and Erin were also music fans and attended many concerts together.
John was a devoted son and caregiver for his mother. He was generous and giving and would help anyone in need. John could appear serious at times, but had an amazing sense of humor and made those around him laugh. The lucky few who truly understood his sense of humor, found him to be hilarious.
John was predeceased by his father John DiCesare in 2019 and many beloved animal companions. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years Erin (nee Zahler), his mother Kathleen DiCesare, his two sisters Colleen Ackerman and her husband Bob, and Jill Kozack and her husband John, nieces and nephews: Jack, Samantha, Kate and Alex Hennen, and Ryan and John Kozack, his in-laws Ann and Michael Zahler, sister-in-law Brigit Walsh and Sean and sister-in-law Deirdre Zahler.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church, Bayville. Cremation was private and under the direction of Riggs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter in John's Memory.