With the death of Carmen Saginario, Jr., the township lost “one of it’s biggest and best assets.”
That’s how one person put it in a Facebook post on the Cinnaminson website. The solicitor passed away unexpectedly on July 27 at his township residence. He was 67.
Saginario was born in Paterson to Carmen and Norma Saginario, according to his obituary. He was the loving father of Kimberly (Christopher) Sexton, Anna Saginario, and Carmen Saginario, III and cherished pop-pop to Luke. He is also survived by his former wife, Laura Lancaster Saginario; his sister, Maryann Skaflestad; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
Saginario was a 1979 graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he also played football after an accomplished gridiron performance at Wayne Valley High School. He went on to earn his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1983 and was a partner at Capehart & Scatchard in Mount Laurel.
“Carmen embodied the highest values of our firm,” the firm stated in a release. “He was a beloved mentor; role model; partner; and friend, known for treating everyone with kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect. He also had a warm sense of humor that brought levity to the office. It was a gift that made working with him not only inspiring, but joyful.
“Carmen will be deeply missed by his clients, his colleagues, and all who knew him.”
Saginario joined the firm in 1994 after holding several positions in the public sector – including deputy attorney general for New Jersey – and later focused his practice on employment counseling and litigation.
During his time at Capehart, Saginario served in many leadership roles, including executive committee member, co-chair of the Labor and Employment Group and supervisor of the Corporate Compliance Group. He was also certified by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) as a contract player agent – or advisor.
“Carm was extraordinarily talented, driven and generous with his time and abilities,” recalled a colleague of Saginario, Richard Strobel, in a memorial post. “He had a clear calling to use his God-given gifts to serve others and improve the community around him.”
Deeply devoted to that community, Saginario served for more than 20 years with the Cinnaminson Education Foundation and was actively involved in township politics, his obituary notes. He passionately supported and coached his children’s sports teams and was always present on the sidelines.
Known for his upbeat personality and warm presence, Saginario frequently served as emcee at community events because he was a natural entertainer who could make any crowd laugh.
In addition to everything he accomplished in his life, what truly set Saginario apart was who he was to the people who knew and loved him. He lit up every room he walked into, his family says, always telling jokes and the best – and sometimes slightly embellished – stories, never failing to make those around him laugh.
Saginario loved spending time with family and friends, having catches with his kids, dancing to the Backstreet Boys and simply being present with those he loved. He was a leader; a role model; and a constant source of joy and comfort, his obituary says.
A gathering of family and friends was held on July 31 at Givnish of Cinnaminson. Memorial contributions can be made to Fighting Pretty, an organization that empowers women battling cancer to feel strong and beautiful.
