Antonino "Tony" Cavataio

CAVATAIO, Antonino. September 28, 2025. Age 61. Beloved husband of Rose Cavataio. Loving father of Enza (Cody), Mariella (Lorenzo), and Selina. Proud grandfather of Amelia. Dearest brother of Pietro and Giovanni (Maria). Dearest brother- in...

If I were to tell Tony's grandchildren stories about their grandfather one day, these are some of the ones I would want them to know.
The first story is about Tony as a young man. He was always stoic, a man of few words, yet his very presence carried quiet confidence and strength. With his steady poker face, you never quite knew what he was thinking. But I remember so clearly when he met and fell in love with their grandmother. When they became engaged, something changed-Tony suddenly carried a lightness about him, a smile that couldn't be hidden. There was joy in his eyes, a sense of happiness and excitement that radiated from him as he looked toward his wedding and the life he was about to begin.
The second story is from that wedding day. Rose, their grandmother, was fun-loving, full of energy, and always laughing, while Tony remained more reserved. But during the bridal dance, something unforgettable happened. There was Rose, in her beautiful gown, dancing with joy, when suddenly Tony joined her on the dance floor. To everyone's amazement, he danced-not just a slow dance, but a fast one! Tony, the man we all thought would never dance, was beaming from ear to ear, keeping step with his new bride. The whole room erupted in cheers. It was a moment of pure happiness, one that showed just how much love he carried for Rose.
The third story is from the many picnics at Club Trapp over the years. If it weren't for Tony, hundreds of people wouldn't have eaten. He was the master of the barbecue, the one everyone counted on. Surrounded by a crowd of boisterous Italian men all offering their opinions about how to cook this or that, Tony just kept working-focused, steady, and unstoppable. He grilled endless trays of carne finta, chicken, eggplant, and sausages, feeding every last person who came. Year after year, he was at that grill, and everyone knew that if Tony was barbecuing, we were all going to eat well.
There are countless stories about their grandfather, but these three capture so much of who he was-strong, steady, loving, and quietly devoted. One day, I hope to share them all, so his grandchildren will know the kind of man their grandfather was.