In Memory of Donald P. Cavoli, Sr.

Obituary

Donald P. Cavoli, Sr., 81, of New Hartford, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, NY.

A native of Utica, NY, he was born on March 5, 1945, the son of the late Amelio and Marion (Goff) Cavoly. After attending local schools, he answered the call to duty, proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Prior to his military service, Donald wed his one true love, the late Suzanne Randall. For 59 years, they were a testament to devotion, navigating life’s ups and downs as an inseparable team. Sue was the center of Donald’s world; his best friend and constant companion, they were a couple who, even after decades of marriage, still held hands in public and often delighted in wearing matching outfits.

Together, they built a life centered on family and their two sons. Their home in New Hartford was a sanctuary of close-knit bonds, especially during the years they shared a two-family house with Sue’s parents and younger siblings. Donald didn’t just join the family; he became a pillar of it, embracing and caring for Sue’s siblings as if they were his own.

A man of tireless work ethic, Donald dedicated himself to providing the best life possible for his family. He spent many years as a skilled Industrial Painter, a trade he mastered through decades of hard work. After contributing his talents to various local industries, he ultimately retired from the former Goodrich facility on Griffiss Air Force Base—now Collins Aerospace (RTX). Donald’s devotion to his family was perhaps most evident in his relentless drive; he often balanced two or three jobs at once, taking on side projects and extra shifts without complaint. He was a provider in the truest sense, never shying away from a long day’s work if it meant a better future for those he loved.

Beyond his work and family, Donald’s heart belonged to the game of baseball. An impassioned, lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, he could almost always be found proudly wearing his pinstripes—whether it was a favorite sweatshirt, jacket, or t-shirt.

His love for the sport was best expressed on the local diamonds of New Hartford, where he spent years coaching his sons’ Little League teams. He didn't just teach them how to play the game; he passed on a deep respect for the sport, a gift both boys carry with them today. Whether he was playing, coaching, or talking shop, Donald lived and breathed the game, and his enthusiasm for a Yankees win was infectious to everyone around him.

A man of quiet faith, Donald was a long-time member and devout communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford.

Donald is survived by his beloved sons, Donald P. Cavoli, Jr. and Dale E. Cavoli and his wife, Rebecca (Mazzatti). He was the cherished grandfather of Allison Cavoli, Brooke Cavoli Ramirez and her wife Yami, Sierra Cavoli, Lorenzo Sibilia, Giovanni Sibilia, and Anthony Cavoli; he also leaves behind three great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, with whom he shared a lifetime of close-knit bonds: Darryl Randall and his wife Lynn, Dianne Delmedico and her husband John, Raymond Randall, Jr. and his wife Ashley, and Eloise Samson and her husband Darren. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Mary Ann Cavoly, Tony Gaetano, Diana Cavoli, Marie Cavoly, and Rosalie Cavoli; a special aunt and uncle, Mary Lee Burmaster and Robert Dougherty; and several generations of nieces and nephews.

Donald was predeceased by his beloved wife and one true love, Suzanne; his grandson, Donald P. Cavoli III; and his parents, Amelio and Marion Cavoly. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Mildred Randall; and his ten brothers and sisters and their spouses: Gerald Cavoly, Carl and Joann Cavoly, Jeanette and Angelo Scarfino, Jack and Helen Cavoly, Diane Gaetano, Joseph Cavoli, Bobby Cavoly, Barbara and Mike Oatway, Theresa Cox, and Richard Cavoli.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the wonderful staff of the Alzheimer’s Unit at the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford. A very special thank you to Bob Gaska, who was not just a caregiver but a true friend to Donald. The family also extends their deepest appreciation to Social Worker Ellena Holl, who served as an invaluable lifeline; her constant support and communication kept the family connected to Donald’s care and well-being throughout his time there.

Additionally, the family extends their heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital for the nurturing and compassionate care provided in Donald’s final days. They are especially grateful to the Nurses of the 3rd Floor Medical/Surgical Unit, whose constant attentiveness and presence by his side provided great comfort to both Donald and his family.

Graveside service will be on Saturday, May 16, at 11:00 am in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donald’s memory to the Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at fwefh.com.