Emil J. Caiazza Jr.

On June 9 2026, the world lost a beautiful soul with the passing of Emil Joseph Caiazza Jr. He touched so many lives over the past 95 years with his abounding love for God, his family, friends, and all that life had to offer him. His huge heart and kindness extended not only to those who knew him, but to those that he met during his life that were in need of help. Emil’s loving smile, gentle laugh, endless wisdom, and timeless advice was always appreciated and up lifting. He was our shelter and our guide, a steady voice when life was stormy, the calm and strength behind our tears. He truly was our “everything”. Emil was born on January 24, 1931, in Brooklyn New York. He continued to live in Brooklyn/Queens area through young adulthood and then eventually moved out to Long Island where he raised his family. Once he left high school, he joined the navy during the Korean War where he proudly served as a cook. His grandmother had taught him how to cook at the early age of 6 and this ignited a passion that he enjoyed doing all of his life. He loved the time he served in the Navy because he got to travel and see many parts of the world. A big bonus for him was that his two younger brothers Henry and Vincent, left High School early and joined the Navy with him. Emil and Vincent served on the same naval war ship and shared and enjoyed many escapades and adventures. Emil and Vincent looked so much alike that the officers didn’t know who was who…..hence a lot fun for both of them. After leaving the navy he worked at Brookhaven National Laboratory as a graphic artist and did technical illustrations for the US Government and NASA. Many of his illustrations were published in scientific and medical journals which was shared worldwide wide. He was an excellent illustrator and was sought out by many for his unique talent in this field. Emil’s true passion lay outside of his profession. It was always family first for him. He enjoyed raising his children and spent endless hours supporting each of us as we pursued our many endeavors and activities. Dreaming of a better life for his children, he worked several jobs so that he could provide us with a better education, more opportunities, and a brighter future. Emil was one of the lucky ones. He was very blessed to meet and marry Yolanda in 1996, and to welcome both her and son Javier in to our family. She was and forever will be his soul mate, best friend, companion, and the love of his life. Their deep rooted and unconditional love sealed and bonded their lives together in a uniquely special way for over 30 years. We love and appreciate Yolanda for all of the love, support and care that she gave to our father over the years, as well as her unwavering commitment during the most difficult times that he has faced. We know that his strength to prevail during those challenging times was because of her and we will always be so very grateful to her. Throughout his life he kept himself busy with many hobbies and interests. At a young age he developed a deep rooted love for art and started to paint, and draw with pastels, chalk, charcoal, and ink. He continued this hobby throughout his lifetime and managed to complete and finish a record 200 drawings between the age of 90 and 92. He definitely was a man on fire and was creating 2-3 drawings a week. It was so exciting to see what he was going to create next! When he wasn’t drawing or painting, Emil also loved to go dancing (that is how he met Yoly, the love of his life), do martial arts, lift weights and body build with his friends. He also enjoyed collecting antiques, coins, shells, minerals, and artifacts. Emil also had a thirst for knowledge and was very learned in religion, history, and archeology. He loved to travel throughout Europe and the Middle East and shared so many stories about his life’s adventures and experiences with everyone he met. Emil’s life was a blessing and a beautiful tapestry of rich memories, woven with boundless love, deep rooted friendship, admirable strength, immense wisdom, limitless compassion and unwavering morals. He lived his life to the fullest and with a determination and creed that believed “Life was not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take our breath away”. Even though he is no longer with us, his spirit continues to inspire us to seize the day with love and enthusiasm. Life is made up of moments and the memories we have created, and he certainly made every moment count. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and warmth that he so freely gave during his time with us. Emil is survived by his devoted and loving wife Yolanda Noval Caiazza, his 8 children Gina Nemiro, Mandy Bell, Emil Caiazza III, Diana Caiazza, Thomas Caiazza, Laura Caiazza, Garrett Caiazza, and Javier Arias. He enjoyed and loved his 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Emil Joseph Caiazza Sr. And Henrietta Louise Sirois Caiazza, as well as his younger brothers Henry Caiazza and Vincent Caiazza Visitation for family and friends will be at Grace Funeral Chapels 5980 West Oakland Park Boulevard Lauderhill, Florida 33313 on Monday June 15, 2026 between the hours of 12pm-4pm. A funeral mass in his honor will be performed at 11 am on Tuesday June 16, 2026 at St Gregory the Great Catholic Church 200 N University Drive, Plantation Florida 33324. Internment will be at 1pm on Tuesday June 16th 2026 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale Florida 33068 In lieu of flowers please make donations to one of his favorite charities: Tunnel to Towers Wounded Warriors St Judes

Emil J. Caiazza Jr.

January 24, 1931 - June 9, 2026