Michael V. Caffarella

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"