Cesar P. Rua

Cesar P. Rua, 87, of Pine Beach, NJ, passed away peacefully in his country of birth, Portugal. After serving with honor in the Portuguese Army during the Angolan War in the 1960s, Cesar married his wife of over sixty years and then followed his heart to the United States.  A respected entrepreneur and fixture of the Lyndhurst community, he owned and operated Rua’s Liquor and Deli for many years, leaving behind a legacy of service and ambition. 

Cesar was a man whose life was defined by the joy he spread and the quiet goodness of his actions. Known for his light spirit and cheerful, and outgoing nature.  His playful, genuine personality had a way of bringing people together and brightening up any room he entered.  He was truly 'a friend through and through'—a man who lived by the old Portuguese sentiment of being an 'amigo do seu amigo.' 

A devoted husband and father, Cesar discovered a unique and profound joy in his grandchildren. Through them, his love took on a new dimension; they were his 'renewed glow,' a source of light that invigorated his spirit. He took immense pride in passing down the threads of his culture and traditions, and nothing brought him more happiness than beaming with pride while introducing them to his friends and family. 

He was a man of meticulous detail who took great pride in how he presented himself to the world—a reflection of his self-respect and character. Though he built a life in America, his heart remained tethered to his roots. He was a passionate supporter of Sporting CP and took immense pride in everything Portuguese, celebrating the successes of his homeland as if they were his own. 

Always available to help, Cesar never turned his back on a request. His generosity was natural and selfless. Today, we remember a man who lived authentically and left an indelible mark of affection on the hearts of all who knew him.  

Cesar’s legacy lives on through his devoted wife of 60 years, Maria Dalia; daughter Anabela Rua; son Henrique Rua and his wife Dawn; and grandchildren Nicholas and Samantha. He leaves behind four siblings—Floripes, Odete, Nelson, and Alda—along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. 

He now joins his late parents, Antonio and Ermelinda, and his brothers, Valdemar, Victor, and Antonio, in eternal rest. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cesar's memory to Parkinson.org.

Viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, 4:00-7:00pm at Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ 08721. Funeral Saturday April 11, 2026, at 8:30am at the Funeral Home, Funeral Mass 9:30am at St. Barnabas Church, 33 Woodland Rd., Bayville, followed by Burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 62 Cedar Grove Rd., Toms River, NJ. 

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