Thomas M. Cafaro

THOMAS M. CAFARO died peacefully at home on Thursday, July 3rd; after a lengthy illness, which he endured with grace and good humor. Tom was born in Alliance on January 28th, 1950, to Robert and Helen Cafaro. He attended Alliance High School before beginning his career in pottery at the Royal China in Sebring. He rose to the level of Master Modeler and Mold-maker of vitreous china for Eljer Plumbingware. Tom had an extraordinary understanding of the natural world and an innate understanding of plants and animals. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cooking what he caught. He could bring the most dormant of delicate orchids to bloom, grow succulent fruits and vegetables in any soil, and enjoyed growing hops and grapes for his home-made brews and wine. He was a traditional woodworker and a skilled blacksmith. Until his retirement, Tom was head maintenance man at the Rodman Public Library. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert, Jr., he is survived by his wife and companion of twenty-four years, Claudia (Champion); his son John Cafaro, and daughters Chrissy and Carrie Cafaro; his sister, Susan Tolley (Rocky), and brother, Dan Cafaro (Mary), and by his "Champion family". Tom was a man of his word; courteous to strangers and loyal to his friends, and always a good companion. He is greatly missed. At his request there will be no Calling Hours. Gifts and memorials may be made to the Rodman Public Library 215 E. Broadway St., Alliance, Ohio 44601 or Alliance Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice 885 S. Sawburg Rd. Suite 106, Alliance, OH 44601. Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.