Carmelo Francesco Caroach

Carmelo "Carmen" Francesco Caroach, of South Plainfield, passed away Tuesday April 14,2026 in Robert Wood Johnson UMC at the age of 86.

Born in New Brunswick, a son to Frank and Sarah Sollazo Caroach on February 28,1940.

Carmen grew up in New Brunswick, where he was more affectionately known as "Chops" to those closest to him from the Neighborhood. Hardworking, he began his career in the trucking industry early on. It would take more than 50 years and countless miles on the road before he downshifted into retirement.

Remaining an active and supportive member of his community throughout his life, Carmen proudly served The Veterans of Foreign War for more than thirty years and was an honored lifetime auxiliary member. He was also a recognized life-member of the Loyal Order of Moose and a longtime supporter of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Policeman's Benevolent Association.

Carmen's proud ancestral roots fostered his love of food and sense of famigla. His greatest passion was cooking, and his heart was in the kitchen, where you would likely find him donning an apron and a smile, a utensil in one hand and a Chivas & water in the other. Through his generous spirit, he hosted seemingly endless family and member events alike. To gather in celebration to feed those he cherished most was how Carmen best expressed his love. He cherished being "Poppy" & "Pop-Pop" he never failed to call his children and grandchildren on their birthday. Carmen lived a long and fruitful life. He had a lighthearted, confident ease about him and always wore a smile. Nothing ever seemed to bother him. Fun loving, he liked to joke and kid, always had a smart comeback and a story to share. He loved his 50's doo wop, Willie Nelson and Sinatra and if you asked him how he lived his life, he'd tell you, "ahh ya know, like Frankie said, I did it my way" followed by his smoky laugh. These traits were the hallmarks of his personality and how most will remember him. His loss to the family is palpable and will indeed be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children James, David and his wife Cindy, Rebekah, Jessica and Victoria, grandchildren Heather, Billy John, Charles, Walter, Darion, Gage, Dustin, Draven, Tyler, Trever, Trinity and Teagan and Cousin Mary and son Christopher and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Carmen was preceded in death by his brother's Cosmo, Peter "Petey" and Sam and sister Rose. His first wife Victoria, son Nicholas, daughters Christine, Cara and Jennifer "Ginger" and grandson Joseph "li'l Joe".

A ceremonial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday June 20,2026 at St Peters Cemetery, 500 Somerset St. New Brunswick. Following the service, please join us to celebrate Carmen's life at 2:00PM at the VFW Post 9111, 11 Henderson Rd, Kendall Park.

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