Concetta "Connie" M. Cavallario

Concetta Cavallario died peacefully at home on the morning of January 15th. She was born on February 18, 1929 in Watertown, NY to Josephine Tortorica Sparacino and Sam Sparacino. 

Connie attended Watertown schools and was salutatorian of Watertown High School’s Class of 1946. She enjoyed regular reunions of her high school class as they aged together. Connie married the love of her life, Frank Cavallario on October 12, 1947 at St. Anthony’s Church, Watertown, with Monsignor Sechi presiding. 

Shortly after, they took up residence in Alexandria Bay where Connie lived for the next seventy-seven years. Together Connie and Frank built and operated the Chez Paris Diner and later they added Cavallario’s Steak House to their family business. They enjoyed many successful years and cherished the numerous friendships that their work provided. 

Having the long winter breaks each year made the intensity of the hard work during the summer months manageable and both Connie and Frank relished traveling to local hockey games and regular card games with friends to pass the cold months. Later they enjoyed winters in their condominium in Fort Lauderdale, FL where they continued their tradition of hospitality as they hosted legendary Super Bowl and St. Patrick’s Day parties each year.

In the past, Connie was active in St. Cyril’s Altar and Rosary Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Rotary Ladies, the Fireside Study Club, and the American Contract Bridge League where she was a fierce competitor. She was instrumental in helping Edith Amsterdam establish the Victorian Teas on Cherry Island each summer to support the Alexandria Township Historical Society.

Concetta was predeceased by Frank in 2015, her daughter, Carmen Penn, in 2002, and an infant son in 1961. Also preceding her in death were her parents, her sister Madeline Rosby, her beloved cousin, Rose Lamaris, the many members of the Cavallario family who welcomed her as their own, and, perhaps the cruelest part of living into old age, so many friends. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jo Wood (Jeffrey), Ithaca and Tamara Quinn (John), Wellesley Island, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, whose visits delighted her. Connie also leaves a large extended family of cherished nieces and nephews and many dear friends who became family over the years.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Cyril’s Church, Walton Street, Alexandria Bay on Saturday, January 20th at 11 am. There will be no calling hours.

Burial will take place in St. Cyril’s Cemetery immediately following.

Memorials may be made to St. Cyril’s Church, 28 Walton St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or the Alexandria Community Thrift Store Food Pantry, 42601 NYS Rte. 12, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.