Arthur V. Cestaro Jr.

Born: 05/24/1943 in Waterbury CT.

Passed: 12/09/2024 in Eastham, MA

Arthur V. Cestaro Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Regina; his daughter, Gina; and his son, Artie III. He is also survived by his siblings: Gerry, Ed, and Marcy. He is preceded by his adopted daughter Leanna who passed away in a car accident in 1999. Unfortunately, his passing was just two days after hers 25 years apart.

Art was an incredible father, always quick to help family and friends alike. While he often offered advice, he truly believed in teaching through action. He loved teaching others how to build houses, repair seemingly irreparable items, and invent creative solutions to life’s challenges. Most importantly, Dad lived by the Golden Rule, treating everyone as he wished to be treated, with honesty and respect.

Dad was never idle. He believed a well-lived life required variety and purpose. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, he spent his childhood fishing and hunting with my grandfather and his great uncles. He later attended college to study chemistry and began his career at Alcort, a company known for its Sailfish sailboats. He went on to work as an assistant chemist at the global engineering firm McDermott before deciding to venture out on his own. He established a metal plating business specializing in motorcycle parts and was particularly proud of the innovative methods his company developed for applying nickel and chrome.

In the early 1970s, Dad transitioned to yet another career and moved to Cape Cod. There, he and his brother Gerry founded Cestaro Brothers Construction, building countless homes across the Lower Cape. Never one to settle for just one pursuit, Dad and his brothers also launched Cestaro Brothers Bakery which became famous for Arturo’s Bread in the mid-1970s to early 1980s. Later in his career, Dad returned to the building trades, founding R&A Construction. Through this business, he employed and mentored many members of his extended family, leaving a lasting legacy of craftsmanship. Dad also was a commercial cod and shellfish fisherman. He also did cape cod surf fishing beach tours. Dad also love to tie his own flies for fly fishing and even make his own custom fishing rods with beautiful designs on them.

In his early 70s, Dad retired to Bridgewater, New Hampshire, though retirement for him simply meant shifting gears. He continued to help neighbors with projects, big and small, earning their admiration for his skill, honesty, and generosity. He also took up wood turning and made beautiful turned wood bowls and even cowboy hats made out of wood.

In his final years, Dad faced illness with courage and dignity. He chose to return to Eastham, the place he considered home, to spend his last days surrounded by his loved ones.

We are proud to have called Art our dad, husband, brother, and friend. He was a man of integrity, generosity, and boundless love.

We will miss you and love you forever.

If you would like to donate in his name please donate to Living Waters El Salvador. Arthurs daughter Leanna Cestaro was adopted from El Salvador and they have a clean water shortage in most of the country.

You can donate via their website: https://livingwaters.com/donate/

Or by sending a check to… Living Waters / ATTN: Finance 9818 Arkansas St

Bellflower, CA 90706

By phone: (800) 437-1893 M-F 8-4pm PST.