Robert Louis Casazza (Bobby) was born September 18, 1933, in East Vineland. Raised on the Tuckahoe Road, 20-acre family farm by Louis and Alvina (Cioni), he grew up along with brother Louis, Jr. Bob attended grade school at Richland Elementary, Cleary Jr. High and graduated with the Vineland High School Class of 1951.
After graduating, Bob took on work as a carpenter for various contractors. Then, in 1953, joined the U.S Air Force and served at Sampson Airforce Base, NY, for basic training, then Scott AFB, Belleville. He spent one year in Korea, then Highlands AFB, Highlands, NJ, Paine AFB, WA and the Philippines. As an electronic technician, his daily routines included checking electronic equipment, testing tubes, radio communications from base to aircrafts, general maintenance at radio building on base for fighter jets in Korea. He proudly served in the Korean War with an honorable discharge in 1957 but his pride for the military would last a lifetime.
His radio communications skills training would eventually lead to a position at the U.S. Army missile base in North Jersey. It would also be where he would meet the woman of his dreams. At a USO dance, Bob met Nona Napoliello. Less than two years later, on May 16, 1959, they wed. Making East Vineland their home, they built a house in 1963 on Landis Avenue on adjacent farm ground of Bob’s Aunt Magdalene Pagliughi’s home. It is where they would settle for a lifetime of happiness together as they raised three daughters with the same quality traits their parents gave them.
Looking for security in a tough economy, Bob was accepted to a position with the U.S. Post Office in Vineland. He would spend the next 25 years there, first as a carrier, then transferring to their window clerk for most of his career.
Shortly after moving into their new home, Bob joined the East Vineland Fire Department. He truly loved every minute of the next 50 years. His compassion for the community was constantly evident, almost never missing a response call; if that siren went off, he would drop anything he was doing to make his way to whatever emergency arose. Rising to the rank of Assistant Chief, Bob received many citations for his fire service including Firefighter of the Year in 1976.
In 1978, in addition to his fulltime employment at the post office, Bob and Nona opened a custard stand, which he built on his parent’s farm near Five Points intersection in East Vineland. They would go on to operate the successful business for the next 28 years. Anyone who stopped was sure to be greeted by Bob’s contagious friendly talkative personality. That mixed with Nona’s high operating standards is what kept customers from near and far coming back. The business went on to host over 20 years of enjoyable vintage car, truck and motorcycle shows. The Garden State 50’s Car Club, The British Car Club, The S. J. Antique Truck Club and the Christian Motorcycle Club all made the Maplewood Custard their meeting spot. Many motorcycle poker runs were also held here by area police, fire and military bike clubs.
With a love for planes, Bob gave the area’s model plane club the use of his ground adjacent to the stand, which would draw many happy onlookers and created a home for the club, its members and the youth that partook in flying classes there. Bob and Nona had created a landmark in its time!
With a talent for custom carpentry and endless energy, Bob and lifetime buddy Fred Haye formed Casazza & Haye Construction in the early 1970s. Many of their custom homes can be found throughout the local area.
And if you’re thinking no human could juggle any more, not so: Bob decided to pursue a college degree. Using his military G.I. Bill, he enrolled in Atlantic Cape Community College and graduated in 1975 with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science.
So what does one do next? How about traveling to upstate New York and purchasing a vintage 1927 AmericanLaFrance chemical pumper! He attempted to drive it back home, which worked for maybe 10 miles, and then the wrecker was called. Bob totally restored the gem. He truly loved and enjoyed his prized possession (winning at many shows) for many years to come.
In the mid-1990s, Bob and a group of local veterans formed V.F.W. Post 158. Originally meeting at the East Vineland fire house, the post merged and formed the Emilio Marandino V.F.W. Post 158 in Landisville. The post operated and maintained the hall and grew substantially in membership.
Over the next approximately 25 years, Bob was an active dedicated member because of his pride for his country and his appreciation for fellow military comrades.
Robert Louis Casazza
Sept. 18, 1933–May 9, 2025
My dad carried many hats, led a full life and always followed his faith to the Lord. He was a man of strength, patience, humbleness and love. His duty to his country, community, family and above all to God was fulfilled. He will always live on in my heart and in the footsteps of my sons.
