Caesar DePalma

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Caesar was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Caesar knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were John and Concetta DePalma. Caesar was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Even as a youngster, Caesar learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Caesar was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Caesar was raised with one sibling. He had one older sister Marie. Caesar had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Caesar, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Caesar's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Caesar enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Caesar took part in baseball, lacrosse and hockey.

In school, Caesar was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Caesar was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Caesar’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Sheepshead Bay High School in 1939. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. He played on varsity baseball team.

Caesar’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Caesar’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Caesar saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his BA from St. Francis in criminal justice. He graduated college at the age of 60.

An objective and conscientious individual, Caesar reveled in the security of his family. On October 24, 1956 Caesar exchanged wedding vows with Mary Corriere at the Our lady Queen of Martyrs of Rego Park, NY. One of Caesar’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Caesar was ever watchful of his child. He worried about him and was deeply concerned for his development as he grew up. He maintained a firm hand in his upbringing. Caesar would give his stamp of approval to his requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his son was properly raised. Caesar was blessed with one, John DePalma.. They were also blessed with one grand-daughter Danielle Mary DePalma.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Caesar was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Caesar was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Caesar upheld his standards. His primary occupation was a Detective Investigator at the Brooklyn's DA'S office. He was also employed as a nurse for two years after the army then a private eye for 21years until he joined the DA'S office. Caesar was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Caesar was an Army Veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was stationed in the Philippines. Caesar saw action for WWII. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of TECH 5.

Caesar approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were hunting, plaster art and painting. Caesar was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Caesar to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Caesar played baseball, hockey and lacrosse. Recreational sports included bowling, baseball, and softball. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball.

Being generous with his time and energy, Caesar liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Caesar was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

A civic-minded person, Caesar was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Caesar was a Republican. During these years, Caesar applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Caesar. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member St. Joseph's church for 30 years. During that time, he was to take part in bringing host to the pulpit.

Caesar was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Caesar’s favorites was a German Shepherd named Kim. They were best friends for 15 years. His family was rounded out by his tens of cats and dogs and also gerbils and fish.

When Caesar’s retirement finally arrived in 2003, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in crossword puzzles, and going around the neighborhood making friends. In many ways, Caesar loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Caesar passed away on October 20, 2012 at home due to natural causes. He is survived by his son John, granddaughter Danielle and daughter in law Lisa. Services were held at Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home. Caesar was laid to rest in Calverton National Park Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Caesar was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm. The prayer service will commence on Thursday evening at approximately 7:30pm. The funeral will take place on Friday at 10:00 am at Calverton.