A Hard Worker With A Huge Heart: Toms River Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash Mourned

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Nick Cacciapaglia was the kind of person who would do anything for his friends and family.

"He was loved and respected by everyone around him, and he gave that same love and respect back to everyone who entered his life," his brother, Stephan, wrote on a GoFundMe campaigncreated to help his parents pay for the funeral expenses.

Cacciapaglia, 24, of Toms River, died Sunday in a crash while learning to drive a motorcycle, Toms River police said.

Nicholas Vincent Cacciapaglia was born in Brick and moved to Toms River with his family in 2001, according to his obituary on the Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services website.

He was a Cub Scout with Pack 57 and a Boy Scout in Troop 1, growing up, and a 2016 graduate of Toms River High School East, where he played first stand-up bass in the All-Toms River High School Orchestra and was a member of the High School East bowling team.

"He was one of the nicest and kindest guys I've ever met," a friend wrote in a public Facebook post. "I'm so grateful and blessed that he was a part of my childhood."

Cacciapaglia attended Ocean County College and Ocean County Vocational-Technical School and was working as a mechanic at R&H Spring and Truck Repair in Wall Township.

" 'Little Big Diesel' you were a pleasure to have on our crew," R&H Spring and Truck Repair officials wrote in a Facebook post. "Your work ethic paired with the eagerness and willingness to learn this trade was irreplaceable."

"Nick had a bright future ahead of him but was taken from this world too soon," the company said.

Nick's family said he was passionate about music and playing guitar, along with "his Snap-On tool collection, and crumb cake," according to his obituary.

"Nick was an incredibly hard worker, no matter the task. He had a huge heart and would do anything for his family and friends. His laughter was infectious and he was an incredible brother, son, friend, and mentor," his family said. "Everyone who met Nick could feel the genuine love radiating from him. He was a truly kind, loyal, and gentle person."

"Nick’s work ethic was second to none, he always worked hard towards his goals," his brother wrote. "I couldn’t have asked for a better brother or mentor, and I can’t imagine having to go through the rest of my life without him."

Nicholas is survived by his mother Nina Cacciapaglia, his father Philip Cacciapaglia, and his brother Stephan as well as his extended family. Visitation is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m Thursday at Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services, 1329 Route 37 West in Toms River. The burial service is set for 10 a.m. Friday, according to his obituary.

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