Dante George Cavalieri

May 25, 1926 - Sep. 19, 2013

Dante George Cavalieri returned to our Lord's loving arms late September 19, having spent the day with his family in tears, laughter, prayer and love after a long and valiant struggle with his health these past two years. He was born May 25, 1926 to Italian immigrant parents Mary (Roncari) and Joseph Cavalieri who were so proud of their adopted country, Dante bears our first president's name.

Dante served in WWII attaining the rank of S/1C in the Navy, and went on to a lifetime career in East Granby, Connecticut filling the sales pipeline needed to sustain Roncari Industries with concrete, foundation and roadway contracts throughout New England. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The US Navy Armed Guard, The Navy's Ancient Order of the Deep, WWII Veterans and Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota.

Dante met Trudy Fournier on Christmas Eve, 1953 and upon taking her arm to steady their tread upon the icy walk to Midnight Mass, he'd found his life partner. They married on September 6, 1954 and celebrated their 59th Anniversary during his hospital stay earlier this month. They raised three loving children Mark (Nela, Windsor Locks, Connecticut), Linda (Toni, Sarasota, Florida), Steven George, who predeceased his parents in 1990; and have the love and respect of their grandchildren Michelle Cavalieri, and Jaime Fraga and Joseph Fraga, Connecticut.

Dante's driving focus was to provide for his wife's continued well-being and to express his love to his family. Having accomplished these as fully and capably as he could in this life, Dante passed peacefully in his abiding faith in God's promise of eternal life. Those who had the particular pleasure of conversation with him experienced his singular sincerity and unique perspective on life.

He leaves his beloved family mentioned herein, his many fond acquaintances at Camelot East and Waterside Retirement Estates in Sarasota, his valued medical counsel, Dr. Bonnie Gabriel and the many medical professionals who worked valiantly alongside him in his healthcare.

Visitation will be held Monday evening September 23, 2013, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 9:30am at Incarnation Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com.