Pasquale "Pat" Bevilacqua

December 3, 1925 - February 17, 2021

Pasquale Bevilacqua, more commonly known as Pat was born on December 3, 1925 to Guisseppe (Joe) and Agnese who emigrated from Italy. He grew up in New York City in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx in a large extended Italian American family with many aunts, uncles and cousins. His wife Jean, recently passed away on September 20, 2020. They would have been married 70 years this February and spent many a happy year together. An older sister Mary and younger brother Mickey, as well as their spouses Louie and Brooke have predeceased him. Upon graduating from James Monroe High School, he joined the Navy during World War II. He was an Electrician’s Mate Second Class on the USS Albemarle and received medals for the American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific Theatre, European Theatre and Victory Medal. After leaving the service, he became part owner in the restaurant Joe & Joe’s established by his father and uncle. It was at the Port Castle Club, an adjoining building donated by his father for returning servicemen to use, that he met his future wife Jean. He asked her to dance the lindy and they kept on dancing for more than 70 years. They were married on February 11, 1951 and enjoyed many years together with family and friends. They had three daughters, Chris, Ann, and Jeanie, which was often pronounced as Chrisannjeanie. Pat would do anything for his daughters and extended family, and would often be the one cooking for large family gatherings, bar tendering for parties, and the person to call if you needed help. Son-in-laws, Brett, Joe, and Arnold were welcomed into the family, as well as the five grandchildren that followed, Michael, Kristin, Joann, Danny, and Lauren. Next came the husbands and wife of the grandchildren, John, Andy, Nam and Matt, and five great grandchildren, Anthony, Giovanna, Emilia, Anna and Amber. Each son-in-law became a son, the accomplishments of the grandchildren were celebrated, and the great grandchildren cherished. They all have many fond memories of “Pookie” and a story to tell about Pat. Jean often said that Pat had “hands of gold” as he was truly a “jack of all trades”. He would often be called on to repair broken pipes, fix faulty wiring, build a shed, paint a house, or be the treasurer for an organization. After leaving the restaurant business, Pat worked as a route supervisor for many years, and then started his own remodeling company before retiring. Even in retirement he continued to be the fix-it man, and treasurer for the Pavilion Community for several years, where they moved in1996. Pat and Jean met many wonderful neighbors there, who became part of their extended family. They continued to travel, enjoy gatherings with family and friends, and give their love to each other and those around them. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local food bank to help those in need during COVID, or a charity of your choice. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Rd., Toms River, NJ. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 AM followed by Entombment at Ocean County Memorial Park, NJ.