Marco Cera
Educators and former Pompton Lakes High School students joined family and friends who gathered this past week to mourn the tragic passing of Marco F. Cera, 39, of Township of Boonton, who died on Friday, April 6, 2012, following a heroic struggle with mesothelioma.
"Marco was the 2002 Pompton Lakes High School class advisor and even though they graduated 10 years ago, so many of his former students came to pay their respects and remember the man who they said had such an impact on them," said Pompton Lakes Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Amoroso. The two had worked in the district together before Cera moved on to administrative positions at Kittatinny, Madison, and Franklin Lakes before becoming the principal at Briarcliff Middle School in Mountain Lakes, where he was currently employed.
"Marco was a history teacher at the high school – in fact, he took my place when I became vice principal – and he was head boys basketball coach. We kept in touch over the years after he left Pompton Lakes and I know that he was very well regarded wherever he went," said Dr. Amoroso. "Marco had unbelievable energy and enthusiasm for working with kids in the classroom – he truly lit up a classroom!"
Known as an especially passionate educator, Dr. Amoroso added, "Marco had a great sense of humor – probably intentionally corny and goofy – and the kids loved it. He made a lot of connections with his students." And, Dr. Amoroso said, "He was a true gentleman. He was selfless – always more concerned about how the other person was doing and what he could do for someone else, rather than what he might need."
A graduate of Blair Academy and Providence College, Marco Cera also held a master's degree from Montclair State University and was pursuing his doctorate at Seton Hall University.
A true Renaissance man, he was an avid reader and historian, as well as an enthusiastic golfer and sports fan. But what he loved most was "his girls," his beloved wife of 11 years, Danielle, and daughters, Gabriella, 9 and Nina, 7.
He also is survived by his parents Anthony and Corinne Cera of Kinnelon; his brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Kim Cera, and his nephews, Michael and Marco, all of Township of Boonton.
Arrangements were by the Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Ave., Boonton. The funeral was held on Wednesday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 910 Birch St., Boonton. Memorial contributions in Marco Cera's name may be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1317 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Contributions may also be made by telephone at 877-363-6376, or via the Internet at www.curemeso.org.
