Memorial Trees
L
Louise Errico Kinsey
May 12, 2025
J
Jim and Mary Ann Scordo
May 08, 2025
A
Anonymous
May 05, 2025
Y
Your couisn, Louise Rotter Woodcox
May 05, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Robert L Casazza
<p>Robert Louis Casazza, 91, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in the Vineland, NJ, home he built 61 years ago.</p><p><br></p><p>A proud lifelong resident of Buena Vista Township in Vineland, Robert, known to many as Bob, was born on September 18, 1933, to Louis and Alvena (Cioni) Casazza. After graduating from Vineland High School, Class of 1951, he went on to earn an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Atlantic Community College.</p><p><br></p><p>From an early age, Robert worked on the Casazza family farm, where his strong work ethic and dedication to service took root. In 1953, Robert answered his call to duty when he enlisted in the military – joining the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His tour of duty included deployment to the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea. He served his country in ground radio repair until his honorable discharge in 1957. Shortly afterward, at a party in North Jersey he met his “Babe” and love of his life Nona Joy Napoliello. Robert and Nona were married on May 16, 1959, beginning a beautiful union that spanned nearly 66 years and included raising three daughters together.</p><p><br></p><p>Robert’s professional life was marked by hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. He founded Casazza Construction Company and contributed to the growth of his community by building numerous homes throughout Buena and Vineland during the 1970s, all the while also working for the United States Postal Service in downtown Vineland. Robert began his federal career in 1964, initially as a letter carrier, but with the majority of his years as a window clerk. He retired from the USPS in 1990 after a dedicated 26-year tenure.</p><p><br></p><p>In 1978, Robert brought joy to countless families by building Maplewood Custard in East Vineland—an ice cream shop he owned and operated with Nona for 26 successful years.</p><p><br></p><p>Perhaps one of Robert’s most revered commitments was his volunteer service with the East Vineland Fire Company, Station 12-2. Over a span of four decades—much of it spent as Assistant Chief—Robert demonstrated unwavering dedication to protecting his community. His civic engagement extended further as a member of the local VFW and as a founding member of the Buena Historical Society.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout his life, Robert received numerous honors recognizing this devotion to community service. These included being named Grand Marshall at the Buena Vista Township Independence Day Parade and receiving a tribute from the Buena Historical Society as Citizen of the Year.</p><p><br></p><p>Outside of work and public service, Robert found joy in simple pleasures: cheering for the Phillies and Eagles, collecting baseball caps, exploring cars and electronics, reading avidly, engaging in conversations with anyone he met, and embracing his Italian heritage. As a proud Korean War Veteran, he lived life according to the USAF core values of “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.” These principles guided every aspect of his life—from family, to community, to country—and he never missed an opportunity to demonstrate a proper salute.</p><p><br></p><p>Above all else, though, nothing brought Robert more happiness than time spent with Nona and their beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to him.</p><p><br></p><p>Robert's legacy lives on through every home he built, every life he touched through service—and most enduringly—in the hearts of those who loved him. We salute you, Robert—with pride—for a life so fully lived.</p><p><br></p><p>Robert’s family extends heartfelt thanks to all caregivers who supported Robert over recent years—especially Priscilla Sarpong—for her steadfast compassion as a live-in caregiver.</p><p><br></p><p>Robert was predeceased by his parents Louis and Alvena Casazza; brother and sister-in-law Louis and Teresa Casazza; parents-in-law Ferdinand and Anna Maria Napoliello; brother-in-law Ferdinand Jr.; and grandchildren Anthony Steven Capra and Natalie Joy Capra, and his beloved pet Skeeter.</p><p><br></p><p>He is survived by his devoted spouse of 65 years, Nona Joy (Napoliello); children Diane Capra (Steven), Donna Virunurm (Harry), and Debra Casazza; grandchildren Gino Favoretto (Alexis), Bobby Favoretto, Matthew Virunurm (Jenya), Christopher Virunurm (Jackie), David Virunurm (Nathaly), Allison Capra (Lucas), and Nina Capra; great-grandchildren Violet Virunurm, James Virunurm, Ashliana Virunurm, Natalia Virunurm, and Michael Virunurm; nieces Christine (Casazza) Ferrucci and Marlene (Casazza) Kraynock, as well as other nieces, nephews and cousins.</p><p><br></p><p>The family invites you to celebrate Robert’s life beginning with visitation on Friday, May 9th from 10:00 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. at Pancoast Funeral Home, 676 S Main Rd, Vineland, then at a memorial Mass which will take place immediately afterward at St. Mary Church, 736 Union Road followed by a full military burial with USAF Honors cannon salute and also a firefighter’s last call to duty at St. Mary Cemetery.</p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Vineland Fire Company at 4931 Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360. To email condolences & or tributes, please visit www.pancoastfuneralhome.com.</p><p><br></p>September 18, 1933 - May 2, 202509/18/193305/02/2025
Share Obituary: