Saying Goodbye: Funeral Services For Colts Neck Murder Victims

COLTS NECK, NJ — Friends and family were saying goodbye Sunday to an 11-year-old boy who loved World War II history, an 8-year-old girl who loved the New York Yankees, as well as their beloved parents: an Ivy League-educated father and a mother who was active in the local elementary school PTO.

A memorial gathering was held Sunday, beginning at 12 noon at the Holmdel Funeral Home, for the Caneiro family of Colts Neck, including two children, who were all murdered in their Willow Brook Road home nearly two weeks ago.

The memorial was followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m., also at the Holmdel Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 26 South Holmdel Road.

One speaker described Keith and Jennifer as a “loving mother and father” of “unbelievable children,” according to nj.com. Jesse, the man said, was a remarkable 11-year-old who loved history and had recently become outspoken on pressing issues in the world, including white supremacy and anti-Semitism. “An 11-year-old!” he reminded everyone.

A statement was issued by the family:

For two weeks, tributes have been pouring in for the family on the Holmdel Funeral Home website.

Debbie Tarby: "There are no words. Sophie was a sweet, spunky, bundle of joy in my music classroom. I'm sorry I had such little time with her. She was kind, patient, and helpful. Her joy was contagious. We will miss her!

Corey Hirsch: "It was a privilege having Keith as a student at Columbia during his Masters study. He was a leader, and an excellent student. He helped others understand topics that were new to them, and he added depth and insight for the entire cohort."

In the meantime, Caneiro's brother, Paul Caneiro, the man accused of murdering the entire family in Colts Neck, pleaded not guilty on Friday and waived his right to a detention hearing, a spokesman for the Monmouth County prosecutor's office said.

Read more: Accused Colts Neck Killer Pleads Not Guilty, Will Remain In Jail

The Colts Neck community and Caneiro family, meanwhile, are coming to grips with the tragedy as they remember Keith, 50, the father, as a man who loved spending time with his wife and children.

The hearbreaking obituaries published recently talked about how Keith was passionate about fitness and staying in shape (he was a member of Aspire Gym in Colts Neck), and loved his dog, Sydney (the dog died several years ago).

Keith earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Columbia University, and was CEO of Square One, the Asbury Park-technology firm he started with his now-jailed brother.

"Keith was an avid reader, often reading three or four books in a week. He was a passionate sports fan and a loving husband and father," according to his obituary.

His wife, Jennifer, 45, meanwhile was a graduate of the University of Albany and was an active member of the Conover Road School PTO in Colts Neck, according to her obituary.

Jesse Alexander Caneiro, 11, was a 5th grade student at Conover Road School in Colts Neck. He loved history, especially WWI and WWII, and "he could have a conversation with anyone about current world events," according to his obituary. "Jesse enjoyed technology and learning about all the functions of the latest computers, phones and watches. He loved to play the video game Fortnight and building amazing structures with Legos."

Jesse was also active in Colts Neck recreational sports.

Sophia Alexis Caneiro, 8, was a third grader at the same elementary school. She loved baking with her mom and her nanny, Claudia.

"She loved ice skating, gymnastics and the New York Yankees," her obituary read. "She was member of the Colts Neck Girl Scouts, she participated in the Colts Neck Recreation program. She loved taking Ninja classes ... Sophia was a vibrant, enthusiastic and precocious girl; her positive energy was contagious."

Here are some other tributes:

Mad Stork: "I met Keith a long time ago when I worked at a firm that utilized Square One's services. He and one of his employees at the time (Darren) were friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. And even though I didn't know Keith on a deep, personal level, he and I did get along very well and shared a number of nice conversations. We often discussed our link to Staten Island (which is where we are both originally from), and even talked at length about the wedding that my now wife and I were planning. I was stunned to hear of this, and I can't even imagine what his closest friends and family are going through. My deepest sympathies."

Lori D'Amico: "Sweet Sophia, Jesse, and their Mommy and Daddy and families: I did not/do not know you but my heart aches over such a tragic loss! The love of money truly IS the root of all evil it seems! But I don't want to focus on the person who should have given his all to protect you, who should have loved you all enough to NEVER betray you. I want to focus on the beautiful family you were and are, the love you shared, and the fact that you were taken from this earth unwillingly and MUCH too soon! You are safe now, happy, eternally protected in the arms of your Father, our Creator. May you all rest in peace and know that the law is taking care of this and one day he too will meet his Maker!"

Catherine: "Jesse, thank you for being a big brother for Matteo he always wanted to have a big brother and god answered his prayer he will miss you dearly you are a wonderful boy. You are his best friend forever. Rest In Peace Jesse we love you"

Lisa Mastroianni: "Jennifer savored the times she could share in Jesse's school life and expressed her joy in doing so. Jennifer's involvement was a win for everyone at Jesse's school. To see her at school with her son was heartwarming. Jennifer's beautiful way of expressing her love and appreciation is a gift, showing by example the power of love & gratitude. I am forever grateful for knowing Jennifer through her beautiful son, Jesse. My sincerest condolences, Lisa Mastroianni~Jesse's First Grade Teacher"

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