Obituary of Joseph J. Cavaliere

Joseph Jerry Cavaliere (Joe), age 96, of Bridgeport, entered eternal rest at his home on July 9, 2024. Joe was born in Bridgeport and lived in the North End his entire life. As a teenager, he and his brother, Billy, pumped gas at the automotive repair and gas station started by their father, Frank, in 1925. Grand Garage would become an iconic landmark known for friendly reliable service until Joe's retirement at age 82. In 1950, the draft took him to the Korean War where he proudly served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. After his return, he ventured a brief stint as manager of the Merritt Theater, once located on Main St. However, loyalty to Grand Garage beckoned him back. By then he'd met the woman who would become his devoted wife. His marriage to Lillian Irene Chisarik (Lee) on April 11, 1953 would become a love affair lasting 71-Years. They would become known for their smooth dance moves, their good looks, their warmth and charm to family and friends, and especially to each other. They came to reside at the yellow Cape Cod, the home built by Joe's parents. The door was always open to their countless friends. It was where they raised 3 children. Joe's loyalty to family was unsurpassed and this was evident in the hours spent continuing the legacy of Grand Garage. He became known for his clownish antics to make people laugh with his outstanding wit and pranks like "walking" into the then People's Bank executing a perfect handstand. He was never without a joke, or a cup of his "cowboy coffee" for customers. For several years in the mid-eighties, he shined as an entertainer playing guitar in a six-piece wedding band called The Organizers. He and Lee were also involved in the Madison Avenue Merchant's Association (MAMA), a grass-roots effort to beautify Madison Avenue. As a father, he will be remembered for his guidance, keen insight and fun-loving adventures like Sunday drives in the country, ice-cream at Dairy Queen, annual vacations to Wildwood beach, and ice-skating on Dewhirst Pond. As a husband he will be remembered for his everlasting commitment to the love of his life, Lee. Joe was predeceased by his father, Frank, his mother, Anna, his brother Vincent (Billy) and Billy's wife Mildred (Millie) Cavaliere. Survivors include his dedicated and loving wife of 71 years, Lee, as well as his daughters, Patricia (Patti) Cavaliere, Susan (Sue) Jamieson and her husband Jeff, and his beloved son Robert (Bob) Cavaliere. In addition, he will be remembered lovingly by his grandchildren Eric Jamieson and Alanna Jamieson Papetti and her husband Michael, as well as two great-granddaughters named Josephine and Lilliana of New Jersey. Bob's sons Skyler, Ryan and Seth Cavaliere of Strong, Maine are a source of great pride to Joe's legacy. "Uncle Joe" remained close with his brother's children, Gail Sheehan, Ricky Cavaliere and wife Kathy, Vincent Cavaliere and wife Peggy. Joe will be fondly remembered as the patriarch of a beautiful family who would go out of his way to help a stranger, loved to take people under his wing, and gave the benefit of doubt. To say he was loved is an understatement. He loved people and bonded with whomever he met. He will no doubt be remembered fondly by more than we know. We thank the doctors who did all they could to restore his eyesight and his failing heart. To the kind first responders, we are truly grateful. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St., Trumbull. Interment will take place in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association (PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692), or the charity of your choice. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com