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Thomas Michael Cavaretta
1960 - 2020
Thomas Michael Cavaretta
1960 - 2020
Obituary
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Thomas Cavaretta Obituary
Thomas Michael Cavaretta, 59, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, found his place in Heaven on March 23, 2020. Tom was a graduate of Coronado High School in El Paso,Texas, earned his BBA in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in Business from the University of Texas at El Paso. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Marcy Lynne Rettig and they moved to Tempe, Arizona where they raised two amazing sons, Joey Cavaretta and Nick Cavaretta. Tom was proud of his sons and spent countless hours with them, turning wood, fixing cars and making them laugh. Tom was an avid cyclist and the biggest goofball you ever knew (he actually referred to himself as a Termite). He never met a stranger. He loved spending time outdoors with his cycling friends. Tom enjoyed relaxing at his cabin, tying flies and fishing. He spent his indoor time in his garage working magic with wood. Tom was handy, a skilled craftsman, and was always helpful with projects in the garage or for friends, family and neighbors. Immediately after college, Tom started working in real estate, but he found his true calling in pharmaceutical sales, most recently as a Regional Sales Manager at Astellas Pharma. He had a beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes and he could make everyone he talked to feel like they were the most important person in the room. He will be missed. Tom is survived by his wife, Marcy Rettig Cavaretta, sons Joey and Nicholas Cavaretta, mother Teresa Cavaretta, brother, Joseph Cavaretta, sisters Laura Cavaretta, Teresa (Ray) Luterbach, Ellyn (Don) Black, Mary (Chris) Dockens, and numerous nieces (Michelle Luterbach, Shilo Dockens, Sophia and Sienna Cavaretta, Anne Marie Rogers; and nephews (Ryan Luterbach, Tim and Tyler Black, Christopher Dockens), his mother-in-law Anne Rettig, sister-in-law Karen (Mark) Rogers. He is pre-deceased by his father, Charles Patrick Cavaretta, M.D. and his father-in-law A Ralph Rettig. Because of the current COVID-19 situation, private services for family only are planned. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Tom's name to Bike Saviours 1930 S. Roosevelt Street, Tempe AZ 85281, www.bikesaviours.org
Richardson Funeral Home, Tempe, Arizona is compassionately serving the Cavaretta family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brian, Karla, Daniel Streng
April 23, 2020
The Streng family is so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. In the past, we would cross paths as he walked his dog in the nearby park and he always had an encouraging word. To my dog's delighthe always had doggie treats also! Tom was definitely Cali's favorite walking friend, though we didn't see him often. He frequently inquired about my son's college experience, and offered to help him in any way in his pharmacy career! So thoughtful! Although we were nearby neighbors we didn't know it, until we met volunteering for Tempe South Little League when my son was 8 years old. (Nick and Joey were several years older) He dedicated so much time to the youth of Tempe! He was so proud of his boys, and often kept us up to date on their achievements! He was witty and funny, with an off-the-cuff wry sense of humor. We will miss you good neighbor! To Marcy, Joey, and Nick, the Streng family is so sorry for your loss! May the Lord comfort you during this time of pain and grief!
L & S Ride
April 15, 2020
Tom, we will miss you in the neighborhood. Thinking of years gone by when the kids all played together.
You and Marcy were so good to include our children and included them in many activities. Happy memories of dinners, camping and boating. Our kids probably never would have gotten to swim in a lake if it hadn't been for your family. God bless you and your family always.
Don Hill
April 1, 2020
Tom,
I know you will get this message in your new Cestial Palace. I'm sorry we weren't able to complete the third novel in the VAMPIRO TRILOGY work of fiction, but I promise to get it published on our behalf. You were a great friend and co-author. Rest assured if we ever make a dime from our creative collaboration, I'll always be on the
square with Marcy, "Nick the Shiv", and "Joey the Bull". Man, oh man-I'm going to miss you.
-Don W. Hill, M.D.
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Edward Wolfe
March 30, 2020
Tom had a wonderful gift for reaching out to others and I feel fortunate to be one of the people he touched. I can't believe it's been over 20 years since we worked together at Amgen. The memories of his simple decency and wisdom remain fresh with me to this day. Hoping to see you again on the other side Tom...
Rich Dillenburg
March 28, 2020
Tom was my cabin neighbor. He was a great neighbor and we had many good visits. He would help me fix things and I would lend a hand with some of his projects, like when he came up one weekend to redo his treehouse. He loved our Labrador retriever Dazie and would even call her over to his cabin to hang out. I will miss his smile and wit. He was going to teach me how to turn bowls out of juniper, but never got the chance. He did admit to snagging some nice pieces of wood out of my woodpile to turn some bowls with, and then gave me that smile of his. Tom- Vicki and I are going to miss you. Rest In Peace my friend. Marcy, Nick, and Joey, you are in our prayers.
Brian, Akiko, and Kohei
March 27, 2020
We are very sorry to hear about Tom. We were lucky to get to know him as a friendly, kind neighbor.
Our condolences to the whole family.
Jane Stapp
March 27, 2020
Marcy,
I remember you and Tom when I worked in John Williams' office, it was always fun times when the two of you came in to visit. Both Kristin and I are so sad to hear of Tom's passing, what a loss! I wanted you to know that some people just stand out in your memories and Tom was one of those guys. May he rest well and you find peace in having been such a big part of his life. I'm very sorry for you all.
Jane Stapp
Mary Heitzman
March 27, 2020
May God bless the entire Cavaretta family in this time of sorrow. So very sorry. Tom was a very fine man. He will be missed.
Karen O'Leary
March 27, 2020
I went to school with Tom and Marcy, Tom was a Ray of light that would light up any room he walked into' I still can remmber Tom working at the Sunglass Hut In Austin TX, I would some time stop by to say hello' I will always keep warm thoughts of Marcy and Tom, till we meet again , my God hold your family close during this difficult time.
Colleen Ydo
March 27, 2020
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. I met him when he started with Astellas in 2012. He was a very kind man and my heart goes out to his family, friends and his Astellas team mates.
Marc Kaplan
March 27, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of Toms passing. I have happy memories of our time together both in Pharma Sales and cycling endless miles.
Marc Kaplan
March 26, 2020
Sad to hear of Tom's passing. Had met him several times over the years with his work and family. Was always great to spend even a few minutes with him.
Will be missed by all.
Please give mother Teresa my special condolences.
Sincerely, Jerry SwameyMD
Wendy Gabel
March 26, 2020
I am so saddened to hear the news about Tom. He was a colleague of mine at Biogen. A terrific guy that was very generous with his time, humor, and his kindness. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Tom in Massachusetts during a kayaking day. He towed me for a while when I couldn't tow any more. What a great guy!
Wendy Gabel
March 26, 2020
Paige Hockman
March 26, 2020
I work for Astellas as well and didn't know Tom personally but his loss seems very hard for his friends and teammates. Seems as though he never met a stranger and was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend. Please accept my sincere condolences. He will be deeply missed at Astellas. -Paige Hockman
Steven Silver
March 26, 2020
I'm very sorry...Tom was always such a true friend...
Angel Vela
March 25, 2020
Tom was my former manager at Astellas but most importantly he was my friend for many years - since 1997. Well respected among his peers and a very smart man to be around with. As fiends we loved to cycled till we got tired or had to go home but we always had the best times out on the road/mountains on our bikes. We laughed till our bellies hurt and we ate till they were full. I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace Tom.
Kevin Brown
March 25, 2020
Tom and I were colleagues at Astellas. He was funny, kind and very supportive. I will miss him dearly. May god bless his soul and provide support to his family.
Devon Toliver
March 25, 2020
I am so sorry. Tom was such a nice person who made me feel like he truly cared about me. He was someone I would go to for advice or to vent. He was never too busy to listen to me. My heart is broken cause he was an amazing individual. He will be missed!!! Tom and his family will stay in my prayers!!
Estella Townsend
March 25, 2020
Tom was a good friend of my son, Mark Townsend. He came to visit him a number of times and I will always be grateful to Tom for his kindness.
May he rest in peace and I offer my condolences to his entire family.
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2621 South Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85282
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