Arturo 'Arthur' Cece
Real estate investor and grandfather of 14, enjoyed the simple comforts of family life and occasionally sang in his native Italian
Arturo "Arthur" Cece, 95, died peacefully, on Oct. 31, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Castelnuovo Parano, Pr. Frosinone, Italy, on Oct. 25, 1924, Arturo had dual Italian and American citizenship by virtue of his father, who had become a US citizen and served in the American military before returning to Italy to marry and start a family.
Arturo immigrated to the United States in 1951 but returned to Italy for a time to marry in 1953. He then returned to the United States on the Andrea Doria in 1954.
He found his first jobs as a road construction laborer and as a Westinghouse manufacturing worker. He then worked both in the printing department of the Newark News and also owned a hot dog and food vending business for almost 20 years. He later worked at Beecham Products before retiring in 1989. During all this time he also became a successful real estate entrepreneur and continued managing both the clerical and hands on maintenance of his properties until just 10 years ago.
He was an enthusiastic member and supporter of the Federation of Italian American Societies of NJ. Arturo and Anna Antonia and their children lived in Newark, N.J., for 37 years before moving to Caldwell, N.J., in 1991.
Despite having only a grade school education, Arturo ardently valued higher learning. He developed a very good facility with English but also sometimes could be heard whistling or singing a favorite Italian tune. He enjoyed the occasional opportunity to display his deft skills at bocce, and even attended a World Series game. He traveled and returned to Italy and Europe many times and also the length and breadth of America which he called the "Best Country in the World."
What he enjoyed most, however, was the simple life at home with his devoted wife, Anna Antonia "Antoinetta," and basking in the love and admiration of his many children and grandchildren. A generous man, he was easily inclined to help those in need and to teach others his skills in property management and maintenance. His kind demeanor, humor and love will be sorely missed by both his family and friends.
Arturo was predeceased by his parents, Giovanni Antonio Cece and Maria Giuseppa DeSimone; his sorely missed brother, Ralph, and cherished sister, Rosa Papa, and her husband, Antonio.
He was also predeceased by his dear niece and nephew, Mary Jo Vaccari (nee Cece) and Robert Cece.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Anna Antonia (nee DeBellis), and six beloved and grateful children: Dr. John A. Cece and his wife, Claudia; Dr. Angelo Cece and his partner, Cheryl; Mary Carille and her husband, Peter; Peter Cece; Dr. Michael Cece and his wife, Genevieve, and Theresa Sivolella and her husband, James III.
He is also survived by 14 cherished and adoring grandchildren: Elise Cece, Amanda Nowacki and her husband, Dr. Douglas Nowacki, Justina Carille, Dr. John Arthur Cece, Peter Carille Jr., Nina Sivolella, Daniel Cece, James Sivolella IV, Victoria Cece, Antonia Sivolella, Jilliana Carille, Olivia Cece, Sophia Cece and Michael Arturo Cece. He is survived by his dear brother, Carmine, and his wife, Rosa. He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law, Jennie Cece, and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 and Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, N.J. 07068. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell, N.J. with entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, N.J.
Condolences and memories may be shared at shookfarmer.com.
Memorial donations may be made to the or the .