Obituary of Gustavo Adolfo Cajina

Gustavo Adolfo Cajina (Gus) passed away on Monday, February 21st, 2022, at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. He was born in Minneapolis, MN and lived in New York City until age 12 when his family moved to Oakland, NJ. He graduated from Indian Hills High School and from Bergen Community College with an Associate’s degree in Hotel/Restaurant and Hospitality Management. Gus’ gregarious nature led him to participate in multiple sports during High School including wrestling and football where he particularly enjoyed being part of a team with a common goal. Gus was a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed helping others; he was active in the community where he volunteered with the Oakland First Aid squad since 2007. He was a Senior EMT and excelled in making patients feel comfortable and cared for through his compassionate communication. Additionally, his career choices demonstrated his focus on helping others. He worked part-time at Stop & Shop in Franklin Lakes in various positions since he was in High School and leveraged his degree by working for various hotel chains as a night auditor and most recently at Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Mahwah. Gus was dedicated to his family and friends. He loved spending time with his nephews Lucas and Logan and never missed an opportunity to be present in their lives. He enjoyed attending their soccer and baseball games, celebrating their birthday parties and functions, and taking them to the movies and out to eat. Gus also loved spending time with his close friends’ children including his god children who brought tremendous joy to his life. Finally, his dedication to his maternal grandmother, parents, sister and brother knew no bounds. He provided unconditional love and support to them and his loss leaves a void that is immeasurable. In addition to his parents, Ramón and Martha Cajina, brother Ramón H Cajina of Oakland, NJ, twin sister Emma Varrial, nephews Lucas and Logan Varrial and brother in-law Cory Varrial all of Marlboro, NJ, he is survived by his grandmother, Emma Cerda Ampie of NYC, his aunts and uncles, Maira Cerda of NYC, Ligia and Humberto Cerda of Hollywood, FL, Josefina Cerda of Managua Nicaragua and Carlos Gaitán-Cerda of Bradenton, FL. Additionally, Lidia Lopez, Hilda Cajina, Melida Cajina, Xiomara Cajina, Isaac Cajina and Jorge Cajina all of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by numerous cousins and their children. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Humberto Cerda and Gilberto Cajina and paternal grandmother Bertilda Cajina. The family wishes to thank the members of the Oakland First Aid squad and Police departments, as well as the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Valley Hospital for their attention and compassionate care provided. A visitation will be held at the Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ on Friday March 4th, 2022 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm ET. A mass will be held in his honor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 25 Purdue Ave, Oakland, NJ on Saturday March 5th, 2022 at 9:30 am ET. A funeral ceremony will follow at Rosehill Memorial Park, 101 Mill St, Putnam Valley, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to City Harvest (https://www.cityharvest.org/) or to a local food bank of your choice.