CAFFARELLA, Michael V.
Michael V. CAFFARELLA, age 85 , beloved husband of Monica, loving brother of Joan Atkinson, Lucia Smith (deceased), Ralph (deceased), stepfather of Christy, loving uncle of Michael Dinnella and Linda Dinnella.
Visitation, Wed. 5/19 from 3-7 PM at The Zabor Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial, Thurs. 5/20, 10:00 AM at St. Bridget of Kildare Parish. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery.
Michael passed away on May 11 after a ten year struggle with dementia and related illnesses. The first born son of Ralph and Joan Caffarella. Mike had a brother Ralph (deceased) and two sisters, Lucia Smith (deceased) and Joan Atkinson, nephew Michael Dinnella, niece Linda Dinnella and stepdaughter, Christy. His education started in Chicago at Our Lady of Angels and continued in high school at St. Philip’s and then to college at DePaul University where he earned a BS in accounting. After graduating from DePaul University, he joined the Marines. After completing his service he was hired by Western Electric as an auditor at Hawthorne Works in Cicero IL. He moved up to regular accounting and was promoted to a managerial position at Montgomery Works in Montgomery, IL where he served until they needed someone to take over the Level Three position and organize the accounting at a new location being opened in Denver, CO.
After 7 years in Denver, he returned to Montgomery Works as head of accounting and handled all of the accounting, payroll, and Information Systems. He also introduced the Savings Bond program for the employees and became their spokesman in Washington, DC. During that time he also was an adjunct professor at Aurora University. Always wanting to help others he managed a boys softball team and was an organizer for several community fund raisers. Retiring in 1989, he became very active in the Telephone Pioneers of America and was president of his chapter. In 2000 he moved to Henderson, NV. He met and married Monica Bilardo in 2001. He became active in volunteer projects at his parish, St. Peter the Apostle. Mike’s whole life was devoted to serving others. His Catholic faith was the center of his life. His life was an example of living the Beatitudes. Some of his words of wisdom that will live in our hearts, “Always have Faith and Confidence”.
“If you get discouraged and think God doesn’t hear your petitions, remember God always hears and answers . The answer might be “no” because it’s not good for you; or “not now” ; or “I have something better planned for you”
“Always tell the truth, even when it hurts.”
Mike’s life can be summed up in the last verse of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” where a traveler studies a fork in the road and has to choose either the well traveled path which would be easy to follow or the one covered with obstacles His decision is in the last stanza:
“Two roads diverged in the wood….
I chose the one less traveled by
And has made all the difference.”
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To offer condolences visit www.ZaborFH.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Bridget of Kildare Parish
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We love you Mike and we miss you. You are a good Soldier for Christ and you’ve fought a long, hard battle. Now it’s time to rest.
Eternal rest grant unto Mike, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Dear Monica
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt
Condolences and Prayers.
Uncle mike. Memories of a child so long ago. Family photos of mike and I standing in a drive way in colorado maybe 5 years old. Memories of Pikes peak. Sitting at the table talking with grandma Joan in Naperville as she made her famous corn beef and cabbage as you sat in the dining room as you often would going over bills. Grandma loved to cook for you. Christmas cards you sent me every single year for years and until your illness began. A special card you sent me in 2003 as you said how much you loved me and how special brother Mike and I were to you. Remembering walking past your room as your bed was always military made. And thinking to myself how do you fold the corners funny Memories of talks with grandpa rocking in his recliner looking out the window in the living room. You loved your dining room table.Teaching my brother Mike how to manage money. The love you had for grandma Joan as I grew up watching you take care of her and mom. Putting your life on hold to make sure your family was taken care of. Always making sure uncle Ralph and aunt Sandy were taken care of. Walking up the stairs as I would always look at jesus photo on the wall and knowing what our family meant in our home. As a child watching you climb the ladder to hang Christmas lights on the home. So many memories to list. Psalm 133:1 sadly I was called for my name for the obituary. but crushed I am reading your obituary and was never told about your funeral. Tell grandpa. Grandma and uncle Ralph I love and miss them dearly. I know you are looking down watching over our family. I love you very much. You are in a much better place. Don’t worry Mom will always be looked over and taken care of. Rest in peace love your niece Linda
Mike was boss, mentor and more importantly a close friend. Anne & I will miss him dearly. May he Rest In Peace. Don & Anne Coy
Mike was the person who told me I was being promoted to Shop Supervisor and that I would be working for Hugh Boyle! Good Times. But the times I visited Mike and Monica in Henderson and the trips we took together to Las Vegas really cemented our friendships and were very happy times. Thanks For The Memories, Mike. Say “HI” to Jesus for me.