Carl M. Ailara

Carl M. Ailara, 93, of Barnegat, N.J., entered eternal rest on Friday, July 24, 2026. He passed peacefully and is now reunited with his cherished wife of 62 years, Joan, who left us in April of last year.

Born in Washington, D.C., to his late parents Adeline and Carlo Ailara, Carl was raised in New York City’s Jackson Heights, Queens. He grew up gifted in many subjects spanning both the arts and sciences. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Geology from City College of New York, he went on to pursue a masters in geology from West Virginia University where he also taught undergraduates. This effort was fueled by a lifelong passion for geodes, fossils, and the earth’s minerals, many of which he shared with his children and grandchildren.

Carl joined the Army Corps of Engineers and ultimately rose to the rank of Major. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he continued to serve his country as part of the Army Reserve for more than a decade—a life choice that inspired his son and several grandsons to serve in law enforcement and the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Army.

Carl’s civilian career took him in other directions. Working initially at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where he met his wife, Carl ultimately served in executive broker roles at several New York City commercial real estate firms. He was integral in many significant city projects—most notably the development of the World Trade Center.

During retirement, Carl once again took up his childhood hobbies of drawing and painting, while also learning new ones. He hosted opera appreciation classes, taught art classes, played bocce, and, at least as he put it, conquered golf; all with friends and loved ones.

Carl's greatest pride and joy was his family. He celebrated them with heartfelt appreciation, never passing up a moment to ‘break bread’ with his children, their partners, and his grandchildren.

Carl is survived by three children, Carl Jr., Edmund, and Heather, Carl Jr.’s wife, Maureen, Edmund’s wife, Kristina, and his grandchildren, Michael, Zachary, Alexandra, Kyle, Ryan, Sean, Connor, and Cassandra. He was predeceased by his son, Michael, and daughter, Dina, with whom, along with his wife, Joan, he will now be reunited.

Dad: We often joked about your seat-of-the-pants approach to life, but that mindset, coupled with your undying support, inspired us to set the world on fire. We live firm in the knowledge that we can overcome any challenge, no matter how apparently insurmountable, and achieve any goal, no matter how seemingly impossible. We also have no doubt you'll take good care of Mom, your funny valentine. And for that, and so much more, we thank you, we love you, and we'll miss you every day.

We close this all-too-short note by drawing on one of your favorite performers, Ol' Blue Eyes himself, the great Frank Sinatra – you lived life your way. And that is a life well lived. Bravissimo! Si Diu voli, ci videmu.

Service information will be offered soon.