Leslie Patrick Cadigan, 78 years young, passed away peacefully at home in Long Branch, NJ just before sunrise on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 while holding the hands of his wife, daughter and son and in the presence of one of his sisters.

Les was born on November 30, 1946 in Elizabeth, NJ to Rita (McHugh) and Thomas Cadigan. He was the second oldest of fourteen children. He attended Saint Paul the Apostle Elementary School in Irvington as well as Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Elizabeth. Les graduated in 1964 from Sacred Heart High School. He was awarded a NJ Senate Scholarship for college and put himself through university at Newark College of Engineering (now the New Jersey Institute of Technology), graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1969. Les was a member of Pi Kappa Phi, played intramural Basketball and Softball, plus was on the Yearbook Committee and Class Councils.

Over the course of his life, Les used his persuasiveness and knowledge to have a successful career in Sales, beginning at American Cyanamid and ultimately retiring from M.A.B. Paints. Along the way, he began his own business - DarLes Equipment. Additionally, the winner of NY Metro Chapter of CSI’s annual Golf Tournament receives the “Cadigan Cup,” named after Les for his tireless efforts in establishing their annual outing.

The life Les led - above all else - was centered in family. Darlene and Les began their love story in May 1972. Darlene picked up Les at a speakeasy using a line from the Turtle Club (taught to her by her uncle). She asked, “Are you a Turtle?” He answered, “You bet your sweet ass I am!” and their love story began. Their courting was brief as Les’ career path could have moved him out of NJ, but he knew the path he needed to follow was the path with Darlene. They married on January 27, 1973 and honeymooned in Austria taking to the ski slopes with a side detour in northern Italy. After establishing their careers, together they raised their two children, Maureen and Tim in Monmouth County, where he would live the remaining years of his life. As his family grew, he considered his son-in-law Joe and his daughter-in-law Jill as his children, not just by marriage, but by heart. He found immense joy in the arrival of his beloved four grandchildren, whose presence brought him deep pride and happiness: Elyse, Kyle, Alana and Dylan. The title “G” (short for Grandpa) was his most cherished, especially as he shared his love, and knowledge, of the NY Yankees, card games, mathematics, reading, golf, Rutgers’ Men’s Basketball, scouting and summers at the shore with the “grands” as he often referred to them.

In the summer of 2023, Les and Darlene celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary and took the family for a 7-day vacation in Manhattan visiting familiar places (Bronx Zoo, Peter Luger’s, Times Square, Central Park), enjoying fun experiences (a NY Yankees game, Broadway Show) and adventuring to new spots (Little Island, Museum of Math, Brooklyn Bridge, Spyscape). Les’ grandchildren will forever have core memories of visiting new places, trying new things, eating ice cream and spending time with family, especially their summer weeks at Gram and G’s condo.

Les led a life of purpose and made a difference, not just for those in his family, but for those that he met in life. Many folks in his networks appreciated his knack for sparking productive discussions and his critical examination of established practices. Others seeked advice and guidance or just appreciated a good debate. Neighbors and college buddies became family; fraternity brothers and their wives were dear friends; and family - near and far - relied on him. He always strove for more - not just for himself, but for his family, especially his children. He provided a childhood of support, understanding, growth and gave the best of himself, instilling values, integrity and strength. Most of all, he gave unconditional love and showed how to give unconditional love to others.

He was gregarious, determined, spirited, ambitious, curious, generous with his time, talents and treasures, challenging, a risk-taker, supportive, forward-thinking, analytical, strategic, willing to stand up for his beliefs and fight for what he thought was fair and just.

Les was boastful about his family, and sometimes himself, yet some lesser known fun facts about him include:

-He met Albert Einstein at an awards dinner in elementary school.

-He was a member of Toastmasters International.

-He loved to sing, even if off-key, and when he did so, he sung with reverence, especially as he and his fraternity brothers serenaded his bride with The Rose of Pi Kappa Phi: "As I sat alone with my dreams, A beautiful land I did see. And a vision so bright came to me, Through the night, with my dream girl I seemed to be. Oh her eyes are the stars of Heaven, As they shine as a lamp so bright. Her lips are the rose's petals, Which open their folds to the light."

-He could play Pinochle for hours on end with Uncle Bill, Craig, Rodger, Gary and David.....a Jacob/Gerold tradition!

-He coached Girls’ Biddy Basketball and took Maureen's entire team to a Knicks vs Celtics game at MSG!

-He coached a youth Baseball team - the Pirates - for 10 years (finished coaching years after Tim was in college and long off the team) simply for the love of the sport and teaching youth.

-He led a Boy Scout troop (he was a Cub Scout himself) and was the Boy Scout Troop 246 Committee Chairman for 7 years - again sharing his knowledge with youth!

-He taught a high school World Religions class at church exploring the core principles of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism.  He loved researching each religion, but more importantly, he loved discussing what he researched with a group of recently Confirmed 9th Graders.

-He was featured in The Bridge World magazine shortly after joining a local Bridge Club (a game he picked up on quickly).

-He was in a bowling league for many years and bowled a perfect game (received a belt buckle for it)!

-He picked up golf in his 20’s down at the Jersey Shore and for years was first off the tee every weekend at Hominy Hill Golf Course. Later, as he passed his love of golf to Tim, they joined Old Orchard Country Club.  Les made both of his Hole-in-ones on the 14th Hole.  He made sure to remind Tim for decades. 

-Everyone knows Les was as competitive as they came and he had a knack for winning. His opponent didn’t stand a chance when Les played his way to victory in the Old Orchard Club Championship of 2002.  Technically, Les won the A Flight Championship while Tim won the Old Orchard Club Championship in the same year....needless to say, that golf moment surpassed his Holes-In-One as he and Tim are forever linked in history for that sweet accomplishment!

-He bought Elyse, Kyle and Alana their first mitts and taught them how to oil them to break them in.  He then taught them how to throw a baseball - straight, hard and in proper form.  He kept stats for Alana (softball) and Dylan (baseball) at their games and reviewed each play with them.  

-While Les knew many sports, Elyse did introduce him to a less familiar one - Volleyball - and although he didn't understand the ins and outs of each play, he cheered her on and asked questions to learn.

-He loved listening to Kyle talk about his Boy Scout Summer Camp and all of the badges he earned as he moves forward to Eagle Scout.

-His eyes twinkled and smiled when he spoke of his grandchildren.  Maybe that isn't unknown information, but they are who made him smile!

Les is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Darlene Cadigan; children Maureen (Joe) Lamberti and Tim (Jill) Cadigan; grandchildren, Elyse & Alana Lamberti and Kyle & Dylan Cadigan. He is also survived by his siblings, Thomas Cadigan Jr., Gregory Cadigan, Kevin Cadigan, Debbie Jones, Terrence Cadigan, Laura Bollwage, Paula Cadigan as well as numerous siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, plus great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Rita and Thomas Cadigan and siblings Dennis Cadigan, Sharon Cadigan, Joan Hartsfield, Linda Smith, Michele Visas and Patrick Cadigan.

May Les Rest in Peace, keep Darlene safe, give his children continued guidance and watch his grandchildren grow and flourish as the years move forward.

Don't Grieve for Me, an Irish Poem

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!

I follow the plan God laid for me.

I saw His face, I heard His call,

I took His hand and left it all…

I could not stay another day,

To love, to laugh, to work or play;

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

And if my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…

Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much:

Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –

Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.

Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,

Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

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