Victor L. Acerra Of Oceanport Dies At 51

Courtesy of Damiano Funeral Home

Victor Louis Acerra, a devoted husband and father and longtime resident of Oceanport, died on Saturday, January 13, 2018. He was 51.

Born in Long Branch, Vic moved to Oceanport at the age of 4. He lived in his childhood home at the time of his death. He was a 1984 graduate of Shore Regional High School and the owner of Acerra Tile, a business that he founded nearly 20 years ago. Known for his attention to detail and perfection, he gained a reputation as one of the best local “tile guys”.

He was a long-time member of the Long Branch Elks where he proudly boasted being on the winning dart league team for many years. A Pittsburgh Steeler fanatic since the late seventies, Vic was known for his game day dress; face paint, black and gold hair and Steelers jerseys. He would never miss a game and was always the loudest fan in the room. He was a fixture on many local softball teams; bragging he could catch any ball hit to the outfield.

At a very early age, he was unceremoniously given the nick name “Poopsy” by his mom. His friends and family loved to joke with him about the name but he carried it with him like a badge of honor. In the mid-seventies, Vic gained local fame as one of the best, young breakdancers in town. He would carry around his cardboard and put on a show for anyone who would ask.

To all who knew Vic, he had a larger-than-life persona and was a caring individual who touched the lives of many. He was totally dedicated to his loving wife Stephanie of 18 years and his two children Paige and Victor.

Known for his quick wit and humor, he never shied away from a debate; sharing his thoughts and opinions on just about any topic. He had a close circle of friends (a very long “bromance” with one) who are sharing many memorable moments about their past with Vic. Most are not suitable to print now. He enjoyed is stogies, especially on the golf course, where he successfully scored a hole in one! While never getting involved in politics, he certainly could have been considered the unofficial mayor of Oceanport.

Victor was predeceased by his parents Robert and Lucy. Surviving is his loving wife Stephanie, daughter Paige, 16 and son Victor, 14; brother Robert and his wife Rose and their sons, Robert, Jr., Richard and Raymond.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan.18, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Dorothea Roman Catholic Church, 240 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the “Vic Acerra Children’s Fund”, P.O. Box 567, Long Branch, NJ 07740. The family invites you to write a letter of condolence, share a story or make a donation by selecting the appropriate tab.

Photo: Courtesy of Shutterstock