Pilot, ham radio operator, engineer, lost dog rescuer, and voracious Good Will Stores hunter, Arthur Ferreira Cacella, Jr. passed away in Gilbert, SC on May 27, 2021, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of Arthur F. Cacella and Evelyn Ruth Bishop, who preceded him in death. Born in Princeton, NJ on April 3, 1951, his early childhood was spent in Waynesboro, VA, where the entire town was his playground. Much to his life-long chagrin, the family moved back to New Jersey in 1963, where he graduated from East Brunswick High School in 1968, and attended Rutgers University.
At an early age, Art built a Heath kit color television set, which the family watched for many years. After teaching himself Morse Code, he took the Amateur Ham Radio Operator’s exam in New York in the early ‘60’s, passing it with flying colors. The family was then entertained by nightly transmissions sent and received around the world.
In 1974, he moved his family to North Carolina retiring from AT&T Federal Systems – Advance Technologies, where he worked on Classified Defense Systems.
Art indulged his love of flying by maintaining his pilot’s license and buying and selling several airplanes. His FAA Ratings include Commercial Pilot, Instrument and Multi-Engine Pilot, with instructor ratings for each. An Avionics Engineer with FCC Radar endorsements, he successfully mentored, instructed and graduated numerous pilots and instrument pilots throughout his flying career.
He is survived by his children, Dawn Kristine Faurot (Shane) Nicholasville, KY, Deborah Michelle Kapuscinski (Steven) Westfield, NJ, and James Arthur Cacella, Morganton,NC.
He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren; Nicholas Peschler and Caid Faurot, Emily, Keri and Erik Kapuscinski, as well as his long-time companion Bonnie Carroll.
Additionally, he is survived by his siblings, RoseZane Mikki C. Burgess (John) Charlotte, NC, Alicia C. Hathcock (John Gary) Mint Hill, NC, Linda C. Jones(Steven) Nazareth, PA, and Barry M. Cacella (Karen) Monroe TWP, NJ. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Michelle and Robert Clark, Sean and Suzanne Watts, The Reverend Michael R. Hammill, Agape Care Group / Hospice of South Carolina, as well as many other friends who provided support and comfort in his final weeks.
After passing, Art’s needs were attended to by Thompson Funeral Homes of Lexington, SC. Arrangements in Waynesboro are being handled by Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Home, 618 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980. A graveside funeral service is scheduled at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Riverview Cemetery, 420 Rosser Ave. Waynesboro, VA 22980.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Art’s honor to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; Guildford County Animal Shelter, 4525 W. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27409; or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
