Joseph Cavato, 92, of Clearwater, Florida was born on March 18, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois to Dominick Cavato and Veronica Cavato (Talarico). Joe passed away on February 8, 2016 at his residence in Clearwater. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadine Cavato, of 57 years. They moved here from Decatur, Illinois in 1978 and found their home in Clearwater. Joe is survived by his son Marty Cavato (Cindy) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and daughter Kim Riedy (Scott) of Palm Harbor, Florida. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Sergeant Cavato entered the Army on January 18, 1943 at Camp Ellis and served his country during World War II as a medic and discharged as a technician 4th grade. Joe served his country with the greatest generation through Central Europe and the Rhineland. His awards and decorations include the American Campaign Medal with two overseas service bars, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Award, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Before shipping out overseas, Joe was introduced to his cousin’s best friend, Bernadine Govednik, and while he was stationed overseas they began corresponding, which blossomed into a romance. Joe proposed to Bernie in a letter from France, and after he returned home they were married on June 15, 1946. They made their home on the south side of Chicago, living on the third floor of a three flat apartment owned by Joe’s father, Dominick. In the true Italian family spirit, Joe’s parents, Dominick and Veronica, lived on the first floor, brother Frank and wife Rose lived on the second floor, brother Ed and his wife Verna lived in a little house in the back of the property, and brother Tom and his wife Wanda in an apartment in the basement. When all the Cavato children began arriving, this led to “communal parenting” which resulted in all the families becoming extremely close throughout the years.
One of Joe and Bernie’s favorite pastimes was dancing. He related the story of them dancing to Lawrence Welk (live) at the famous Trianon Ballroom in Chicago. Joe and his brothers Frank and Ed made several fishing trips with their cousin Tom Talarico to Lake of the Woods, Canada. Several family vacations were spent in Wisconsin with aunts, uncles and cousins where the men went fishing all day while the women watched the kids and cooked. Which the women just loved…
While living in Chicago, Joe and Bernie worked at Portable Electric Tools. In 1961 they relocated with the company to North Aurora, Illinois and built their first new home. Then in 1969, J.W. Murphy bought out the company and they were again relocated, this time to Decatur, Illinois where Joe became plant manager. Their final move came when he joined two friends in a partnership and bought Pat-n-Polish Car Wash in Clearwater, Florida in 1978. He later bought out his two partners to become sole proprietor, and operated the car wash until his retirement.
During WWII Joe was selected to join the Army Air Corps and was waiting to begin pilot training. In the meantime, D-Day arrived and his entire group of pilot trainees was sent to Europe to rejoin the Army, dashing his dreams of becoming a pilot. Later while living in North Aurora, Joe finally realized his piloting dream and earned his private pilot’s license. He became part owner of a J-3 Cub which he loved to fly. Some other favorite pastimes were golfing (including a hole in one!), gardening and spending time with family. He also enjoyed activities with a local computer club in Clearwater. Joe was a member of the American Legion Turner Brandon Post 7, the Dunedin-Clearwater ELKS Lodge #1525, and was active with his church, Light of Christ Catholic Church, where he was co-head usher.
It is a nearly impossible job to put into words what it meant having Joseph Cavato in our lives from our very first misty memories. It is inadequate to say he was a special man who meant the world to us. He was, in short, the finest man that any of us have known. He was warm, loving, moral, religious, patriotic, energetic (to the end). He loved us, cared for us, worried about us, helped us innumerable times, guided us and showed us a life eminently worthy to emulate. He was our rock, the very foundation of our family. We have been shaken, devastated and shattered by his loss. We can only take comfort in knowing his love was and is forever and we will always keep him in our hearts. If we all try to fashion our lives after his, it will be a most worthy endeavor that will make our lives truly richer and more valuable. We all love you, Dad. Sunday, Monday and always…
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Joseph Cavato will be held at the Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater on February 18, 2016 at 11:00 am followed by a graveside service at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 1:30 pm with full military honors.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Marty and Kim in the loss of Uncle Joe who truly loved God, his family and friends. We sincerely have many found memories from when we were all together during the holidays and family gatherings. The angels in heaven are singing for joy accepting another family member into our final home. Uncle Joe like all our very loving family members are missed always, but we all can look forward to living togther again with God in heaven. Carrie, Alex, Nicholas and I sincerely love you all and we extend our condolences and prayers to you all.
love you, Dave, Carrie, Alex and Nicholas
We are saddened to hear this news but celebrate in the full and blessed life that Mr. Joe lived. We are, as everyone should be, proud of our Veterans, especially those that fought the good fight to keep this country free. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with the family during these difficult times.
We were so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing! It was absolutely wonderful to catch up with him and hear his stories at our family reunions! May God bless all of you and may many happy memories hold you in comfort.
Renae and I send our deepest sympathy to the entire Cavato family.
Dear Marty –
We extend our most sincere condolences to you, Kim and all of your wonderful family. We appreciate your sharing some of the memories about your dad, his service and accomplishments. A terrific life! Peace be with you –
We are truly saddened to hear of the great loss of such w wonderful individual. What a blessing for 12 great grandchildren to have had the opportunity to experience his presence and love. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
My heart is full of sadness for your entire family. I briefly met Mr. Cavato at a few celebrations in your family but clearly the love and respect you all had for Mr. Cavato was very obvious. He always had a smile on his face and Meagan always beamed when she talked about him. Bless all of you at this sad time, but I have a strong feeling he is smiling down on all of you and will always be a strong presence in spirit! God Bless. Sending big hugs to all.
Uncle Joe was the best and I was honored to be his nephew. All my children loved both Aunt Bernie and him. Hope to seem many on February 18.
Joe was a good friend and we shared so many good times with him, especially News Years Eve.
He was one of a kind and he will be greatly missed by all the lives he touched.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Joe paid a great service to our country and we are so thankful for that. He will be missed by many.
We send prayers and comforting thoughts to the Cavato family. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to an amazing Father and Grandfather and friend to so many. We are sure he has a very special place in Heaven!
I am saddened to learn of the death of Joe. I have known him for over five years and I will always remember him as a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was a fantastic guy and you were truly blessed.
Marty and Cindy and to the entire Cavato family,
Please know that we are thinking of you. Having read this wonderful tribute, we realize how “close to the tree” Marty had fallen!!
With deepest sympathy,
John and MaryJane
Joe was a warm and welcoming gentleman, who always greeted me with a smile and handshake. I had the pleasure of knowing him at Light of Christ and more recently was getting to know him better while ushering at church. I’m going to miss him. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep Joe and his family in my prayers.
We all lost a fine Gentleman; a true Patriot, and a wonderful friend, the world is a sadder place without you Joe.
My deepest sympathy to all of Joe’s family. He was truly one of the Greatest Generation.
Sincerely,
Pat Doubleday
A legendary man…a heart of gold…an amazing life…my Uncle Joe.
We were sadden to learn of Uncle Joe’s passing and simultaneously felt great appreciation and thankfulness for having such an incredible soul and person in our lives. He will remain in our hearts always and good memories will be shared and enjoyed with others. Deepest sympathies to all who love and miss him, especially to my dear cousins.