Cafazzo, Armada "Joe"
On December 26, in the loving presence of his family, Armada “Joe” Cafazzo passed away peacefully. His 96-yearold, strong, unmistakable, well-seasoned, and skillful hands can now rest after a lifetime of reaching out and helping others.
Born in 1926 in Hartford CT, the youngest of ten, Joe was raised by his mother and hero, Carmella; he often spoke of his memories of Carmella's homemade spaghetti dinners every Sunday. After grammar school, Joe graduated from the University of Life. (When necessary, Joe would succinctly remind you to rely more on common sense and less on your college degree.)
It was during the Great Depression that Joe quickly learned that his calling was to lessen the burdens that come with poverty and to help others in need . . . unconditionally. He made it his lifelong mission to put his gifted hands and his noble heart to work for anyone who needed them. There was never anything that he wouldn't do for someone else—it was in his DNA. Joe was always that competent “go-to-guy”. His enduring selfless commitment to his wife Loretta, his family, friends, fellow veterans, community, and country was rock solid and unfailing. With the patience of a saint and an incomparable work ethic, Joe embodied the belief that “service to others is the rent we pay for being alive.”
At a young age, Joe fell in love with horses and learned how to ride in the Hartford city parks, later competing in calf-roping competitions in Middletown. He especially enjoyed long trail rides throughout New England on his favorite horse, Miss Mary. Joe's love of horses never faded.
Born with extraordinary common sense, gifted manual dexterity, and the mind of an engineer, Joe was a crackerjack mechanic and machinist. At 16, he was hired to rebuild car and truck engines. Even at that early age, Joe possessed the intuitive skills of a true problem solver.
On September 27, 1943, his eighteenth birthday, Joe dropped his tools on the garage floor, enlisted in the U.S. Army, and soon became a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. He served in the Philippines, and later with the occupation forces in Japan.
After returning from World War II, Joe spent nearly 35 years at the Metropolitan Water District and running a one-man trucking business out of the Clearing House Auction Gallery in Wethersfield. He also owned three horses over the years, tending to them before his daily shift at the Water District. Joe truly was an urban cowboy.
When not at work or riding his horse, Joe played left guard for the Hartford Spartans semi-pro football team back when faceguards on helmets were not yet fashionable. Joe also played catcher for the Hartford Spartans semi-pro baseball team—thankfully, those Spartans provided him a facemask behind the plate. Joe carried his love for sports to the Cape when he retired in 1989. He was one of the original members of the Cape Cod Senior Softball League, playing from age 60 until hanging up his cleats at 90. In 2013, Joe was inducted into the league's Hall of Fame—respected by the “old timers” for being an exceptional player, but more importantly for being an excellent teammate and a gentleman, both on and off the field.
Joe also found a home at Barnstable High School. For over 25 years, Joe volunteered countless hours and gave generously his labor, skills, time, and energy to the construction of the Cobb Astro Park and the BHS Memorial Garden. He also served as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic mentor with the varsity football and softball teams, and all three levels of the men's basketball program. Beloved by scores of student-athletes and their coaches, Joe always provided a helping hand, a friendly smile, and the wisdom of a life well-lived. Joe is now reunited with the love of his life, social activist and hoop fanatic Loretta (Martin) Cafazzo. He leaves behind his loving and devoted daughter, Mary Cafazzo Gyra; his loyal pal/son-in-law, Mike; his adopted son, Stephen Roy (Joe spent years helping out at Stephen's Fresh Ketch restaurant in Hyannis); his special friends Missy LeClair, Dennis Martin, and Song Chong; his wonderful home healthcare professionals, Susan Young and Janyce Edwards, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services will be private. In lieu of donations, please consider following Joe's example and reach out in his honor, by giving someone a helping hand. He would cherish that.
For online guestbook and directions please visit www. chapmanfuneral.com.