Michael P. Cauda

Michael Peter Cauda, age 76, of Wanaque, formerly of Wyckoff, passed away on July 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

He was born on October 8, 1946, in Paterson, and was raised in Haledon where he attended and played football and baseball at Manchester High School, graduating in 1964. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, in 1968, in Industrial Arts and a Master of Arts, in 1974, in Industrial Education at Montclair State College.

During his 42-year teaching career at Ramapo High School, from 1968 to 2010, Mike taught Industrial Arts and Industrial Education & Technology.  He was head teacher of the Industrial Arts and Home Economics Departments for the school district, coached a total of 22 years in football, baseball, and softball, and even held the unofficial title of assistant gymnastics coach to assist his wife, Chris, during her coaching tenure.  Mike was inducted in the Ramapo High School Athletic Hall of Fame in March 2010.

As part of his service to our country, Mike was a Sergeant in the Army Reserve, and part of the National Guard.  Over his lifetime of service to others, he served as past president and treasurer of UNICO – the North Haledon Chapter of the Italian Heritage Commission. He served on the North Haledon Board of Recreation, the Board of Health, and the Board of Education.  Mike was the negotiation chairperson for the Ramapo and Indian Hills Education Association for 20 years, a member of the NJEA State Health Benefits Committee, and a state and local delegate to the NEA for 15 years.  He was a member of the Bergen County Education and Coaches Associations. Mike also served on the Board of Governors at North Jersey Country Club in Wayne and was on the Board of Trustees at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff.

A caring husband, father, and the best Pop-Pop there ever was, always a gift of love to his seven grandchildren. What became an endearing exchange, whenever they asked for something, he would say, “it will cost you $5” and there were giggles all around. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family.  He was full of life and always made us laugh. He did not know a stranger. He was selfless, gentle, and kind, a man of integrity, and always there for anyone who needed a hand.  

His special love was his Golden Retriever, Murphy. He would take Murphy for rides in his car almost every day. He even designed a plaque for his dog that said “Murphy’s Walk” which he placed on the back road of Fieldstone Terrace, the family residence for 20 years before moving to Wanaque Reserve.

An avid golfer, he was a member of North Jersey Country Club for 42 years where he grew his love of the game, forged forever friendships on the golf course and was a master of Gin in the cardroom.

Mike was a diehard NY Giants and Yankees fan. He loved to cook, and his specialty was Linguini and Clam Sauce. We would compare his dish to every place that we went, and his by far was the best.

He was a dedicated member of Psi Chi Fraternity at Montclair State, where he forged lifelong friendships and enjoyed his annual treks to the Jersey shore for reunions.

In his last two years, he enjoyed playing cards with some buddies he met at the Reserve, always willing to teach and help any of the guys how to play cards because he was very good at it.

His youngest daughter, Dana, defined him as optimistic, patient, nostalgic, proud, steadfast, and loyal, to family and friends.

His oldest daughter, Alicia, describes her dad: “My dad was my hero, and I am proud to be his daughter. He led by example, teaching me how to be generous, to give and help and be present for those who need it, and family is the most important thing. Great dads own a significant piece of our hearts, and he was such a great dad.” 

From his son, Michael: “He was generous, supportive and always there for us.  Family was paramount.  He taught me everything…most importantly, how to be a great parent and role model.  Every man has a father…I had a dad.  He was my best friend.”

Mike is survived by his wife, Christine Fornarotto Cauda of 53 years.  Mike and Chris were blessed with three children – Michael J. Cauda of Warwick, NY, Alicia Hodnett and her husband Chris of McCordsville, IN, and Dana Bergin and her husband Bryan of Massapequa, NY, and seven grandchildren – Mackenzie, Emily and Ava Cauda, Ella and Michael Hodnett, and Aubrey and Ascher Bergin.  As well as his sister-in-law, Doris Cauda of Toms River, NJ, and his cousin, Rosalie Collinge Failla of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Mike was pre-deceased by his parents, Peter and Myrtle Cauda (nee Collinge), and his brother, Robert Cauda. 

As our family closes this chapter of our life with Mike, we know you will hold him close to your heart, remembering all the memories, love and life shared together over these past 76 years.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the North Jersey Country Club Caddie Scholarship Fund.  

Donation checks can be made out to North Jersey Country Club.  In the memo section, please indicate the Caddie Fund.

Mail to: North Jersey Country Club, 594 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470, Attention of General Manager, Chelsea Creo