05/09/2025
WATERTOWN, NY -- Adriana Palumbo Cavallario, 100 years old, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Sept. 15, 1924, in Watertown, NY, to the late Anthony Palumbo and Josephine Puccia Palumbo who immigrated from Cerda, Sicily, Italy.
Adriana was predeceased by the love of her life and devoted husband Vince, who passed away on Aug. 17, 1984; her twin boys, Anthony and Joseph, who died at birth; her son, Carmen, who passed away on Feb. 9, 1995; five of her siblings - Carmen Palumbo, Rosalie Cavise, Rosemary DelSignore, Lucy Purpura and Ann Dorr.
Adriana was a graduate of Watertown High School class of 1942. She then was employed by JC Penney as a book keeper.
Her expertise with numbers allowed her to successfully own and operate the family business, Cavallario’s Bayside in Alexandria Bay along side her husband and children. What started as a grocery store for locals and tourists, evolved into Cavallario’s Bayside and Top of the Bay.
Adriana’s next endeavor was as owner and operator of The Essence of Gifts in Watertown. It brought her great joy to be able to bless many families in the community with precious items from her gift shop especially during Christmas.
On June 8, 1947, Adriana married her beloved Vincent Cavallario at St. Anthony’s Church with Monsignor Claude Sechi officiating.
She is survived by her children Vincent (Laurie) Cavallario, Andrea (Casey) Spicer, Peter (Brenda) Cavallario, Stephen (Adrienne) Cavallario and Sara (Brian) Magovney, all of Watertown; she was truly blessed by 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; her brother, Frank Palumbo, Washington DC, her sister, Georgina Pecori, North Syracuse, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Adriana was known for her gift of hospitality. As soon as she was married she would gather both sides of the family in their home for holidays and birthdays. She continued to host her family every Sunday for family dinners. All holidays and most days in the summer were spent hanging out at Gramma’s pool where she would be rooting on the kids at a very competitive “pool ball” game after dinner.
Adriana’s greatest joy in life was her family and the time she spent with them. Her loved ones will always treasure how Gramma was there for everything - from sporting events, ballet recitals, musical performances, graduations, family parties and weddings. We will miss her sense of humor, genuine interest in all that was going on in our lives, her beautiful smile and the endless amount of love she had for all.
Each of the 19 grandchildren had their own unique relationship with Gramma going to her for advice - business, life, raising a family, etc. Adriana and her love of God and family was the glue that kept this family connected.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, May 12, at St. Anthony’s Church in Watertown, NY.
Entombment will follow in Glenwood Mausoleum.
The family wants to acknowledge and thank Hospice of Jefferson County for the wonderful comfort care during the final days of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St. or Blessed Sacrament Parish, 123 S. Massey St., both in Watertown, NY 13601.
Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.
