James Cesanek Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Farnelli Funeral Home - Williamstown on Jul. 5, 2025.
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James J. Cesanek, age 91, of Franklinville, NJ, formerly of Milford, CT, passed away on June 30, 2025.
Beloved husband of the late Frances M. Cesanek (nee McCarthy) for 62 years. Devoted father of Charles Cesanek (the late Lori) of West Haven, CT; Sharon Cesanek of Nesquehoning, PA; Sandra Cafurello of Glassboro, NJ, Brian Cesanek (Janet) of West Haven, CT, and the late Maureen Cesanek. Grandfather of Edward, Robert Cesanek and the late Alicia Silfies, Keith, Anna and Amy Cafurello, Brian, Jr., Randal, and Elizabeth Cesanek. Great grandfather of Caleb and Jaiden Cesanek; James, Teagan, and Alexander Silfies. Father-in-law to the late Kevin Cafurello, Janet, and the late Karen Cesanek. Brother-in-law to the late Gertrude Parillo, Wife of the late James Parillo and brother to Emil, the late Robert and John Cesanek and the late June Zima.
Jim was born in Allentown, PA on November 30, 1933. He was a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School, Class of 1951 and served in the US Army during the Korean Campaign. While employed at Borden Chemical in Leominster Mass, he completed Chemical and Engineering Classes at the University of Lowell Mass, Bosten College, and the University of Mass; while employed at Staffer Chemical in Del. City, Delaware. He also completed classes at the University of Delaware.
He accepted a position at Columbia Records Research facility in Milford, CT where he was Director of Plastics Research. He traveled extensively to other plants in Santa Maria CA, Terre Howe, IN, and Pitman, NJ, as well as an international plants in England, Holland, Spain, and Italy. He designed and purchases equipment from Germany and Switzerland for Columbia Records after 19 years and the closing of the research facility in CT. He was transferred to the Sony Compact Disc Facility in Pitman, NJ. He was manager of the material handling systems and handled environmental issues until retirement in 1999.
Jims's passion was baseball and weight lifting, all sports in general. He was captain and All-Star selection on his high school and legion baseball team. He signed a minor league contact with the St. Louis Browns, Class B as a catcher for two years which was cut short due to a rotator cuff problem with his throwing arm at age 19. He jogged and walked daily and was in the gym 3-4 times a week.
He has left behind a legacy of love and a charitable man. He strongly adhered to the teachings of his faith. He and his wife, Frances, attended Mass daily at the Church of the Nativity in Franklinville, NJ. His wife had many health issues, and he guarded her with his life.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Saturday, July 12th from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Church of the Nativity – St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 2677 Delsea Drive, Franklinville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY 10001.