Obituary of Patrick L. Caulfield Jr.

It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Patrick Lawrence Caulfield Jr. on August 9, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all. He brought joy and love to everyone he met and will be deeply missed.

Born on February 2, 1938, Patrick spent the majority of his early life in Hoboken before moving to Short Hills in 1976. Patrick graduated from Seton Hall University in 1961 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and later earned his Master’s in School Administration from New York University in 1970. His early life also included 6 years of service in the New Jersey National Guard.

Patrick worked in the Hoboken Public School System as the Director of Industrial Education for 25 years, mentoring many students during his time.  He was revered by his former students and when he would run into them, they told stories about how Mr. Caulfield changed their lives.

Ever dutiful, Patrick also worked for his father’s business as a young man alongside his brothers. In 1964, Patrick earned his own license as a professional land surveyor.  Upon retirement from the Hoboken School System in 1987, Patrick joined and ran the surveying business until 2003.  In 2021, Patrick fully retired and passed the business, Caulfield Associates, LLP, to his sons.

His greatest passion was his love for his family, especially his ten grandchildren.  He married the love of his life, Catherine (nee Sharkey), in June 1962, and together they had five children.  Patrick and Catherine traveled the world with family and friends collecting wonderful memories along the way.  Affectionately called Pop by his grandchildren, he was their biggest supporter in school, sports, music, and life. Pop spent his summer-weekend mornings over a cast iron skillet feeding his grandchildren bacon sandwiches, a tradition they all held very dear. He was a generous and loyal man with a quiet strength and wisdom, who loved his family above all else.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Catherine of Morristown; son Patrick (Joanne) of Hoboken; son Joseph (Leslie) of Short Hills; daughter Annemarie of Morristown; son John (Mary) of Montclair; Greg of New York City; and his ten grandchildren, Sean, Joseph Jr. (Kate), Keegan, Caitlin, Connor (Annie), Brenden, Grace, Daniel, Dylan, and Caroline; and his two surviving brothers James (Kathryn) and Joseph (Rose).

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Patrick’s name to the Morris Minute Men EMS, PO Box 192, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 or their website: https://morrisminutemen.org/donate

Visitation will be held at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home 2122 Millburn Ave, Maplewood on Thursday, August 15^th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 52 Short Hills Avenue, Short Hills, on Friday, August 16^th at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, E. Hanover.