Catherine Lombardo

Catherine L. (Kay) Lombardo, 92, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully Friday morning, May 22, 2015. Kay was born in Baldwin, New York, on January 28, 1923, to William Ciaravino and Francesca (Bonanno) Ciaravino. Kay was one of nine children.

Her family moved to Freeport, New York, where she attended high school and then business school. Ultimately she followed her passion and became a pilot during the 1940s. At the end of WW ll, she, with two partners, started a small commuter airline known as Royal Air. Her Valiant BT-13 aircraft was recently recovered by Fantasy in Flight in Central Florida where it is being restored.

In 1954 she agreed to marry Bill Lombardo, but only if he agreed to live in Paris. He agreed, but only if she agreed to stop flying. They were married on August 14, 1954, and honeymooned on the HMS Queen Mary which took them to Paris where they resided for many years in the Quays. While in Paris, she worked for the U.S. Embassy. She remained married to Bill until his death in January, 2001.

Kay lived in New York, Paris, Virginia, Washington, D.C., New Jersey and Illinois. In 1972, Kay and Bill moved to Orlando, where she worked for 14 years as a civilian personnel officer for the Navy Orlando Training Center, retiring to Naples in 1986.

An artist, who worked in oils, pen and ink and ceramics, she shared her talent with many. She was active with many local charities, was a member of the Naples Italian American Club and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She enjoyed cooking (and fortunately her friends and family enjoyed eating) and while she made many incredible dishes, her spaghetti and meatballs will never be matched. An avid traveler and adventurer, even after Bill passed, she continued to travel. Whether it was Israel, Europe, Russia, China, Japan or the Caribbean, she was always up for an adventure.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her brother William Ciaravino, MD, her sister Teresa (Ciaravino) Berndt and her brother, Ben Ciaravino, JD. Kay had one child, Chris (Naples) who is married to Nancy. She had two grandchildren, Zach (Tallahassee) and Cory (Naples). Her greatest joy was listening to her grandson play harmonica and cooking with her granddaughter. Kay is survived by her sisters, Mary Rogier (Isle of Plams, SC), Frances Guercio (Merrick, NY), Jean Grunwald (Moriches, NY) and Eleanor Burgmaster (Estero, Fl) and her brother, James Ciaravino, JD (Winter Park, Fl). She had many nieces and nephews; and even more grandnieces and grandnephews. Remarkably, she kept track of them all and consider each one unique and special.

Over the years she graciously mentored many who adopted her as "Mom." She loved to share stories of her travels and experiences, encouraging those around her to be passionate about their beliefs, strong in their convictions and curious about their surroundings. She believed the foundation of individual strength was family. She never feared expressing her opinions and to her very last day would debate anyone about the future of our country.

Visitation will be Thursday May 28th, 2015, from 6:00 - 8:00pm, at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 29th, 2015, 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625, 111th Avenue North, Naples, followed by internment at Naples Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, (Kay only wanted one red rose at her funeral), she and the her family requested that donations be made to EWTN, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples. Donations may be sent directly to Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, PA at 3200 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200, Naples, Florida, 34103, and the firm will ensure the donations are delivered appropriately.

Some live long, some live more, she did both. Thank you for sharing your life with us.