Josephine Cavallo

It is with great sadness that we share the peaceful passing of our mother, Josephine (Pina) Cavallo, on November 9th, 2024, at the age of 99 years old. Josephine was born on March 13th, 1925, in Palermo, Sicily to Onofrio and Guiseppina La Mantia Arcoleo. Her husband, Nick, her in-laws, Steve and Marguerite Cavallo and her brother in laws, Geno and Anthony Cavallo, preceded her in death along with her parents and six of her seven siblings, Vincenzo Arcoleo, Maria Arcoleo, Angela Macaluso, Giuseppe Arcoleo, Fortunato Arcoleo and Concetta Guercio. Her youngest sister, Rosalia Billeci of Sicily is her one surviving sibling.
Josephine immigrated to the United States from Palermo, Sicily as a war bride in April of 1947 to wed her partner in life, Nick Cavallo on April 19th of that year. Nick was a very handsome soldier serving the USA in Italy during WW II. Beautiful Josephine caught his eye when he visited Palermo. Upon his return to the states, the fathers of both arranged a marriage that lasted 62 years. They were wed at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church which remained their Church during their life in the coal fields of southern West Virginia.
During Josephine's years in W.Va., she worked 23 years at Watson's Department Store in Welch, W. Va. She was a Eucharistic Minister at OLV as well as a member of the Church's Altar Society. She served the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 38 of Gary, the McDowell County Chamber of Commerce and the McDowell County Woman's Club. She also held a 25-year membership with Beta Sigma Phi Sorority serving as President.
A talented cook, she shared her love through the delicious foods she prepared for family and friends. Those who ate a meal prepared by Josephine, will always cherish the memories of her spaghetti and meatballs, braciole's, rice balls, and many other Italian specialties that brought everyone together around her table. Her most recent pastime was crocheting beautiful snowflakes and making pocket prayer quilts which she shared with many.
Following Nick's passing, Josephine made a move to Calabash, North Carolina in the fall of 2017. She made many friends in her new location and especially enjoyed spending time with family and taking outings with "the girls". She also remained in close contact with her lifelong friends.
Surviving Josephine are her children Margaret (Danny) White of Calabash, North Carolina, Josie (Larry) Mabry of Mooresville, North Carolina and Steven (Malinda) Cavallo of Apex, North Carolina.
Josephine held in pride her grandchildren and step grandchildren Jennifer McKenzie (Donald), Bill Connor (Missy), Tony Connor (Jennie), William Mabry (Caroline), John Mabry (Melissa), Lauren Dillon (James), Nicholas Cavallo (Pamela), Matthew Cavallo (fiancée, Amy Razavi), Trent White (Nicole), Stephen White (Amy) and Stephanie Lindenberger (Mike).
Her great grandchildren loved listening to her accent and looked forward to a trinket that she shared with them. A part of her heart held John Conrad (NiNi) Logan Hoffer (Emily) Alyssa McKenzie, Ty Connor, Hudson Connor, Morgan Connor, Elise White, Emma Lindenberger, Elly Connor, Ella White, Piper White, Beckham White, Beckett Dillon and Myers Dillon. Josephine could also claim four great great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and a special sister-in-law, Gloria Cavallo.
Friends may say their goodbyes to this incredible lady on November 18th, 2024, at Fanning Funeral Home 19816 Coal Heritage Road Welch, West Virginia with the visitation beginning at 10 am followed by A Liturgy of the Word at 11 am with Father Dan Pisano officiating. Josephine will be laid to rest next to Nick at Woodlawn Memorial Park 3410 Coal Heritage Road in Bluefield, West Virginia. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers along with a dear friend, Buford Brown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church (Gary Account)
111 Virginia Avenue
Welch, West Virginia 24801
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for your expressions of kindness during this period of bereavement.
Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Cavallo Family
Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com