Harry Cagnina

Harry Cagnina, age 84, of Orlando Florida and former long-term Wayne resident, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023, with the comfort of family by his side.

Harry was born to Peter Cagnina and Yolanda Renna in 1939 and graduated from Central High School in Newark in 1957.

 He served as a police officer for the Wanaque Police Department and later in life as a welder for Vibra Screw Incorporated for 40 years. He took great pride in the work he did and even participated in manufacturing the parts for the upkeep of the Barnegat Lighthouse. Once he retired, Harry moved to Orlando, where he could enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.

Harry proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in 1958 during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in 1961, having attained the rank of Sergeant.

He was a huge baseball fan and enjoyed watching Yankee games with his three sons. He loved to support his sons and attended as many baseball and football games as he could. He quickly became known as “Big Harry” to anyone who knew him in the neighborhood. You could always find him outside watching the birds, feeding off the bird feeder in the backyard. His love for birds continued as he collected as many bald eagle figures as possible. He loved his unofficial pet “Harry the Herring” and would feed him fish every day, when he came to visit his home in Florida. Harry had a big, sweet tooth and always enjoyed a Klondike Bar or a big piece of chocolate cake after dinner. Whenever he missed New Jersey, he was sure to watch the live camera feed from the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and always asked his friends and family to give him a wave.

Harry is survived by his children Darlene of Mount Jackson, Virgina, Harry, Keith and his wife Melanie, Kyle and his wife Maria, all of Wayne, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Harry’s name are asked to consider P.O.L Fire Company 2 of Wayne. http://waynefireco2.com/donate.html