Obituary of Charles C. Kakareka

Charles C. Kakareka, 64, of Mount Bethel, PA passed away in Philadelphia on May 5, 2023 after suffering though a long ordeal following a tragic injury. He fought courageously for many months trying to regain his health. This was his approach to any challenge he faced in life or work but it was not to be.

Born in Belleville, NJ, he was the beloved son of the late Chester and Anna Revitt Kakareka. He grew up in Washington, NJ and was the valedictorian of Warren Hills High School class of 1977. He graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, PA in 1981 with a B.S. in Mathematics. He then went on to begin a stellar career path in the financial banking sector, starting in  check data processing. He worked through several advancements and promotions culminating in becoming an Executive Director of Information Technology at JP Morgan Chase. His many accomplishments include facilitating several large major bank mergers. Charles was a dedicated, industrious and highly respected employee throughout his 41 year career.

Charles and his wife the former Diane Kollra celebrated 41 years of marriage in November of 2022. He was a beloved and proud father of two daughters; Kristen Kakareka of Philadelphia and Melissa Parish (James) of Elkhart, Indiana. He will be greatly missed by his family.

He enjoyed road trips and travelling. The highlights of each year were the many family summer vacations including trips to Florida, California, the Grand Canyon, Canada, Washington D.C., and Myrtle Beach, SC. Most recently Charles visited Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills with his family

Charles was a lifelong avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He attended many home games cheering on his teams. He also was an excellent dancer and loved disco music.

Charles was a parishioner of St. Patrick R.C. Church, Belvidere, NJ.

The family wishes to acknowledge the doctors, nurses and ICU staff at Jefferson Methodist Hospital for the excellent care he received.

Friends may call from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, Friday, May 12, 2023 at MacFadden Funeral Home, Belvidere, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM Friday, May 12, 2023 at St. Patrick R.C. Church, 327 Greenwich Street, Belvidere, NJ.  Burial will follow in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN.