SHIRLEY (SIMONETTI) CAVALLARO

Shirley M. Cavallaro, 87, of Lakeland, passed away at home on February 17th surrounded by her devoted and loving family. Born in Syracuse October 28, 1935, she was the only child of Roy and Tillie (Scanio) Simonetti, and enjoyed sibling-like relationships with her many Utica cousins... especially “Cousin Barb from Utica” as she fondly referred to her. Shirley graduated from Solvay schools and proudly operated the comptometer (original adding machine) in the office at Flickinger’s when a customer insisted she needed to meet his brother. Shirley and Salvatore “Sam” Cavallaro soon met, married and set out to achieve Shirley’s lifelong dream of creating and raising a large, active family. Together they raised five children... Sam, the determined and successful businessman... and Shirley the energetic and gifted cook, baker and household manager. How she accomplished so many tasks... to perfection... simultaneously... while keeping an immaculate home, working in the cafeteria at Solvay Schools, and still looking beautiful as ever is a feat the family will never fully understand. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, husband of 58 years, Sam, and their son, Gary. Surviving to cherish Shirley’s memory are her children: Mark (Lisa) Cavallaro, of Florida, Michael (Veronica) Cavallaro, of New Jersey, Rick (Anne) Cavallaro, of Baldwinsville, and Donna (Tony) Bove, of Camillus. Those “Nani” treasured most are her twelve grandchildren: Sam (Mina) and Vinnie Cavallaro, Gina (Joe) LeBlanc, Nick (Ali) Cavallaro, Marisa (Derek) Norcross, Dina Cavallaro, Gabrielle, Ariana, Spencer and Sophia Cavallaro, and Anthony and Carla Bove; great-grandchildren: Michael and Anthony Cavallaro, Bodhi, Luca and Olive Cavallaro, Isla and Lena Norcross, and Joey LeBlanc; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 20th at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 AM Tuesday February 21st at St. Marianne Cope Parish-Our Lady of Peace Church, 203 Halcomb St., Syracuse. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow in Belle Isle Cemetery, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Marianne Cope Parish-Our Lady of Peace Food Pantry, 203 Halcomb St., Syracuse, NY 13209. Please share online tributes and memories at www.bagozzitwins.com.

SHIRLEY (SIMONETTI) CAVALLARO

October 28, 1935 - February 17, 2023