James John Cicenia
July 26, 1926 - October 30, 2024
James Cicenia was first and foremost a family man.
The elder of two sons, James never strayed far from his family even as he pursued a life in construction that would lead to him one day opening his own company.
James died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, surrounded by his “three favorite women” — his wife, Dolores; and his daughters, Claudia and Frances. He was 98.
Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, James graduated from Barringer High School and moved out of state to attend the University of Illinois before finishing his college degree at Seton Hall University in nearby South Orange, New Jersey.
He first laid eyes on his future wife while she was waiting for the bus in Newark, and he would go on to tell everyone that it was “love at first sight.”
A hopeless romantic, James persisted in courting Dolores, often taking her out on dates to visit his other love — New York City. When Dolores eventually agreed to marry him, James ran to a local fruit stand and bought out the entire inventory. He would spend the rest of his life commenting on her fruit obsession.
James and Dolores married on Nov. 22, 1952, and welcomed their daughters and a son, James John Cicenia Jr.
James began his career at Nesto Construction and remained with the group through its transition to Joseph Nesto and Co. He eventually departed to launch his own company, Elgate Corp., where he worked until his retirement at 72.
Though James would tell you he spent his life as a contractor, it would not be totally accurate; James’ role, first and foremost, was as a patriarch, guiding everyone around him with a gentle touch and pieces of wisdom.
James never said much given that he was usually surrounded by loud women who overtook all of the conversations, but when he did speak, everyone listened.
Similar to his own experience, James’ family never strayed far. His daughters each lived about 10 minutes away, which could be considered a blessing and a curse depending on how much nagging he endured. Fortunately, he had his daily cocktail — usually 2 ounces of vodka, water and precisely 30 stirs – and his beloved Turner Classic Movies to get him through their silly grievances.
James is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; their three children; four grandchildren, Isa, Alexandra (Michael), Francesca (Joseph) and James John Cicenia II; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Riley Strouss.
He was predeceased by his younger brother, Ron Carey.
There will be a viewing at S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre Street, Nutley, on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, from 3:00PM – 6:00PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 17 Monsignor Owens Pl, Nutley, on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:30AM. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated.
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James John Cicenia
July 26, 1926 - October 30, 2024
James Cicenia was first and foremost a family man.
The elder of two sons, James never strayed far from his family even as he pursued a life in construction that would lead to him one day opening his own company.
James died Wednesday, Oct.