LaCAVA - Carmine John Jr. passed away in his home in Manahawkin, NJ on February 14th, 2017 at the age of 80. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he lived and raised his family in Oceanside, NY before finally residing in Manahawkin. Son of the late Carmine and Philomena LaCava, Carmine is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Andrea, and his4 children; John LaCava (Susan), Richard LaCava (Paige), Denise Sheehan (James), and Paul LaCava (Debbie), as well as his 15 adoring grandchildren Emily, Grace, John; Sophie, Charles, Owen, Andrew; Stephanie, Kyle, Kimberly, Lucas, Declan; Jake, Brooke, and Danny. Carmine was preceded in death by his brothers Saverio and Michael, and is survived by sister Caroline Macca and brother Joseph. Carmine was a retired New York City Police Captain who also spent 2 years in the United States Army, Over the years he was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, the Stafford Old Guard, and more recently, the local Italian-American Club where he developed a late-in-life love for cooking and became known for his wonderful red gravy. Famous for dispensing his practical wisdom, Carmine was truly a life sherpa to all those that knew him. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-9pm Friday at the Thomas A. Glynn & Son Funeral Home, 20 Lincoln Ave Rockville Centre. Mass of Christian burial Saturday 10:30am, St. Agnes Cathedral, 29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre.