This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Greg Caccavale.
To our dear friends far and near that would love to be here, but cannot, please write on this memorial page and share your favorite Gregisms and whatever. This will be something we can always go to to feel better anytime, anywhere.
Greg touched all of us our hearts in some way.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE INFORMATION
Please join us for a celebration of Greg Caccavale, a very special man who took the time to get to know you and remember you. He had a very special gift for all of us. He touched our hearts in many ways.
WHEN: Sunday July 10th, 1-5pm
WHERE: Thomas Lasorda Jr Field House
4701 Casa Loma Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
CARPOOL TO THE CENTER IF POSSIBLE or park on the street or walk from the Yorba Linda Community Center parking lot. Greg wouldn't have wanted anything fancy or formal.
In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to Susan G Komen Foundation for breast cancer at komenoc.org or Puppies Behind Bars at www.puppiesbehindbars.com
He loved us, inspired us, cared for us, taught us, was there for us. That's the Greg Caccavale I'll never ever forget and love forever.
Don't fret if you can't be here, it's going to be a busy day and we can get together and spend more time with you another time
Please wear your Lava badges, and name badges will be available here cause as you probably know Greg was proud of his family and friends. We all enjoy talking about wonderful family, friends and coworkers, to each other and it's fun to meet new people that you might have heard about some time from Greg.
Some of us like me just can't remember everyone's names, so please forgive me that I like the idea of name tags.
I cannot express my most heartfelt thank you to all of you for remembering Greg together and sharing our memories with each other.
I know he wouldn't have wanted this but I know he will love it.
Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers, it's a beautiful and thoughtful comfort for all of us.
Love, Judy
Tributes
Leave a tributeWe miss you terribly. Every holiday and celebration seems empty without you there. You were the perfect gentlemen and demonstrated chivalry at every turn: you’d meet us in the driveway to help us unload before we’d even have a chance to get out of the car. You saw needs and you met them. Whether there were dishes in the sink to be washed, a table to be cleared, a bag to be carried, or when Don and Betty needed to be driven to and from somewhere, you were there to drive them. You served our family so well and your loss is so great in all of our lives. My kids miss playing slapjack with you and having you applaud their karaoke efforts. All of the gifts you gave were the most thoughtful and useful and the kids still enjoy the little people, Minnie Mouse dress up, karaoke, and the singing light up stuffed animal you gave Ellah on the Father’s Day before you left us. We miss you dearly and we couldn’t be more thankful for the love and service you showed us and that true picture of family- you gave and gave and found so much joy in that selflessness. Thank you for loving us over the years. We love and miss you dearly.
P.S Tell my dad "Hi" for me!
How can I describe Greg Caccavale? I guess the best phrase is "shock and awe". He always shocked the corporate political establishment and awed the men and women on the floor. I first met Greg over 35 years ago when he and I worked for the Alpha Beta Company. Soon afterwards he was assigned to the Bakery as a supervisor reporting to me. He was supposedly assigned to the Bakery in what was described by Tom King as a "finishing school". Typical Greg, he was always a work in progress! I described him once as a valvet fist in an iron glove. He told me he didn' t even own a glove. From time-to-time he would bring the kids in and he would insist that I do my impression of an elephant call followed by a rendition of Tarzan's yell (it wasn't all work and no play when Greg was around).This usually left the kids in "shock and awe". I sometimes wonder what he told the kids about me after they left? I resigned from Apha Beta in 1990 and went to work for HEB in Texas. Greg soon followed. He reported to me once again and managed several of the warehouses in San Antonio. I will never forget the first HEB evaluation I gave him. He had only been on the job a few months and had already made great strides in straightening out the facilities and making improvements in productivity. HEB had an unwritten rule that a new manager's
first evaluation was to center on areas of improvement. I gave Greg a good rating but lower than he expected or really deserved. He asked me what he had to do to get an Excellent rating in the year ahead. He carefully wrote down every word. The next year he showed up for his evaluation with all the documentation he deemed necessary to support his efforts. He didn't need the paperwork. He got his Excellent rating! After leaving HEB, we kept in touch as each of us went our separate ways. In the ensuing years we both worked, although at different times, for 99 Cent Stores and Unified Grocers. Each time the stories were similar. He upset the corporate political establishment while leaving them in awe of what he had accomplished by dramatically changing for the better each and every organization. He could always be counted on to tell the truth that many organizations didn't want to hear. That was one of the attributes I loved about him. I could always count on Greg to tell me the truth. He was always admired and yes, loved, by the teams that reported to him. He was loyal to them and they were fiercely loyal to him. In all my years of management I never had anyone more competent and resourceful reporting to me.
There was only one Greg Caccavale! He could always bring a smile to my face. Each time we spoke over the years he called me "Boss". Coming from Greg, I considered the title an honor. I could go on and on about the good times we had, the laughter and the tears we shared, and the trouble we got into. But that would be telling tales out of school. So many memories of someone who occupied so large a place in my life. There are few that I have worked with that I would consider a good friend. Greg heads the list! He was loyal and devoted and could always be counted on when things got ruff. A man passionate about his family, his friends, and his work. The last time we spoke he told me about the accomplishments of his children and how proud he was of each of them. They have a lot to be proud of and a big legacy to live up to! He loved his life and he loved Judy! There is so much more but let it suffice to say that I am certain that his passing has left a void in many hearts - mine included! To Judy, the family, and all those who knew and loved Greg; my sincere sympathy. My hope is that each of us will remember him for who and what he was and smile, yes even laugh, when we think about or hear the name: "Greg Caccavale".
You brought humor into our lives and we enjoyed your comedic timing-always right on!
Your love and devotion to your family was admirable. We've always loved you no matter what and felt your love and support in return.
We miss you now and forever.
Love,
Bill and Julie
Jo (Doutt) Keller
Rest in peace my friend
Leave a Tribute
We miss you terribly. Every holiday and celebration seems empty without you there. You were the perfect gentlemen and demonstrated chivalry at every turn: you’d meet us in the driveway to help us unload before we’d even have a chance to get out of the car. You saw needs and you met them. Whether there were dishes in the sink to be washed, a table to be cleared, a bag to be carried, or when Don and Betty needed to be driven to and from somewhere, you were there to drive them. You served our family so well and your loss is so great in all of our lives. My kids miss playing slapjack with you and having you applaud their karaoke efforts. All of the gifts you gave were the most thoughtful and useful and the kids still enjoy the little people, Minnie Mouse dress up, karaoke, and the singing light up stuffed animal you gave Ellah on the Father’s Day before you left us. We miss you dearly and we couldn’t be more thankful for the love and service you showed us and that true picture of family- you gave and gave and found so much joy in that selflessness. Thank you for loving us over the years. We love and miss you dearly.
I miss you!
Gregg!!
when I first met Greg at the Turnbull facility, I said oh my God, he looks mean! and was nervous. he came up to me introduced him self and as soon as he gave me THAT smile, I knew there was nothing mean about him, but instead one of the nicest person I'd ever met. I was transferred over to Walnut facility and there, I became "his favorite Comparan sister" rubbing it on Eva's face all the time! LOL (Eva is my sister and works at the Walnut facility as well) he always darned me for spelling his name with double g and would say, "Gloria! my name is NOT GREGGGGGGG" hahaha hay, yay, yay Greg. you are trully missed and I know you still watch over us. I am happy you are resting in peace because you well deserve it!!.
To Judy and his kids, there are no words that can help easy the pain but know that we are all with you.
This song is for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2_U9Yx6ydY
Thank you for everything Greg.
Love,
Gloria Comparan
Valentine's Day Dinner in the Desert
A life well lived
We met Greg when he moved here to Ohio to be the AGM at the Warren DC. His reputation preceded him as he was a much sought after, highly motivated, driving force who got results. Greg led by example; with integrity, teamwork and mutual respect. He was a mentor who instilled confidence in his team. He knew how to develop the potential in others by offering challenges & giving the encouragement necessary for individuals to do their best. Many lives are better for having known Greg. He was also a trusted friend who could be counted on to speak the truth in love. A friend in good times or bad. Above all, he LOVED his family and would have given his life for them. We will always remember the days when Greg would bring the kids over to see the horses. (The horse "Livery" sign you all got for us still hangs over the entrance to the barn.) Afterward, we would come in for hot chocolate, build a fire in the fireplace, and sit in a circle on the living room floor playing Uno for hours (& with the "evil HR manager" too!) lol! Good times! Oh how he loved his children! What a blessing!!! And we were so pleased to know of the happiness he had found in sharing life with Judy. :-)
May you all be comforted by the many wonderful memories. May a smile follow each tear…. May God Bless and keep you always, Love,
Ty and Lisa Kata