Al Cavaletto

Al Cavaletto was born in Seattle to Avis and Angelo Cavaletto in December of 1936 where he grew up hunting and fishing in spaces that are now occupied by homes and businesses all over the south counties from Puyallup to Issaquah, and beyond to Eastern Washington as well. There isn’t a stream or lake that he didn’t seem to have a story about from here to Montana. He was passionate about hunting and fishing, but also about conservation. He wanted to be a fisheries biologist but later pursued an alternative path in college. Al attended Franklin Highschool in Seattle and began college at Central Washington University later graduating from the University of Washington with a BA in Business Administration.

Shortly after college he was hired on at Boeing where his career spanned 35 years. Al loved fishing, hunting, golf, a good game of cribbage and even handy work…having helped build the family home in Bryn Mawr as well as the family cabin on Hood Canal. Al did a significant amount of the work himself with help from family members and most often his very dear (late) friend Fred Forsberg who deserves much credit for the many weekends donated to pounding nails at the cabin!

Al treasured the relationships fostered in Highschool, College and while working at Boeing. All of which spanned many decades until his passing. He cared deeply for family and friends and even those that he didn’t have frequent contact with were very much on his mind often, spoken of with fondness, and in his heart always.

Becoming a grandfather and later a ‘great grandfather’ was truly treasured by ‘Grampaletto’ as he was referred to by his eldest great granddaughter! Her pronunciation initially sounded like ‘Grumpaletto’ which always makes the rest of us smile. He loved his family, adored his grandchildren and was completely smitten by both of his great granddaughters. He was so very thankful that he lived long enough to see them all thriving, and near the end articulated that he was truly lucky to have lived such a full life with so many amazing experiences and treasured friends and family held close!

Al’s grandson Andrew called him Grandpa ‘Owl’ and treasured the wisdom and new experiences he was exposed to while spending time at the family cabin on the canal. Grandpa Owl will always be remembered as a wise figure who watched out for his grandson from afar…and loved him dearly.

Al’s granddaughters Angelina and Antonia have similar memories on the beach with grandpa turning over rocks to find the little crabs, starfish, jelly fish, bullheads and even a rare octopus hidden among rocks. Laughter and memories at the cabin on the beach are cherished by the kids and grandkids which was truly the legacy Al wanted for all from that special piece of heaven that he created for us to enjoy!

Family events are sources of treasured memories for the grandchildren as well. He rarely missed birthdays, graduations, weddings or holidays and even some kids’ soccer/baseball games. Making the hour plus drive from the cabin to attend even a short event was never too much to ask of him. He loved being there and watching the joy on everyone’s faces. He gave big hugs and good advice. And he was always there to help guide us through picking up the pieces when we didn’t heed it…but most importantly (and thankfully…) he was forgiving!

He was a natural teacher and never just told you how to do something…he showed you how and explained the ‘why’.

Al kept his sense of humor through nearly all situations even near the end of his life. He found a way to be objective and accepting about his health, grateful for a long and full life, and humorous about what could not be changed. In the end, he departed from us on his terms, quietly and with dignity. And as he aways used to say when preparing to depart for home or elsewhere………”we go”!

Al is survived by his sister Joan Smith, daughter Kim Cavaletto-Libri, son Dean Cavaletto, grandson Andrew Cavaletto, granddaughters Angelina Van Cise and Antonia Libri, and great granddaughters Emilia and Eloise Van Cise.

Al requested that there be no formal services. There will be a private family gathering at the cabin later in the year. Please remember Al in your hearts and hug your loved ones often. In his memory, donations can be can be made in support of;

Washington State Fish and Wildlife which has two different options for donations located at this site; https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/donations