Dorothea Rose Walker Caccavale of Islip, NY passed away on August 17, 2021 at the age of 91. Dorothea was born on April 10, 1930, to Frank and Rose DiPalo in Brooklyn, NY. She grew up in a large family with 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Her siblings included Joe DiPalo (deceased), Al DiPalo, Rae DiPalo, Rosie (deceased), Mary Bishop, Joan Montalbano and John DiPalo. She married Thomas Walker in July 1956 and lived in Jersey City NJ, and Brooklyn NY before settling in Islip, NY. There Tom and Dorothea lived and raised their 6 children Audrey (Bob Smith), Kenneth Walker (Roberta), Florence (Jim Fox), Rosina (Robert Forgione), Francis Walker and Thomas Walker. They were married for 25+ years and enjoyed camping with their children, and spending time with family. Dorothea was predeceased by her husband Tom who was 57 years old. Dorothea had a large and caring heart and although she had many children of her own, she would always welcome all the neighborhood kids whether it be for lunch, dinner, playing in the pool or just bandaging a scraped knee. This also extended to many dogs and cats that would find their way to her home and eventually be taken in as a family member.

Dorothea was a great cook, an avid crafter, loved adventure, spending time with family, and travelling - even taking a 28-foot camper to many US states and Canada with her 6 kids. Her children’s childhood could be noted by the amazing meals she prepared especially Saturday night steak sandwiches, homemade deep-fried calzone and every Sunday macaroni with her gravy which would begin cooking early in the morning. As a crafter, she made many holiday decorations for all her 6 children which are still proudly displayed in their homes to this day. She also loved playing cards. Beginning when her children were young, she played biweekly with her neighborhood girlfriends and eventually let the men join in. She was very good at playing rummy – even later in life and won most of the time. At the age of 70, Dorothea met and married George Caccavale. They were married for 17 years and enjoyed each other’s company in retirement traveling the world and spending time with family and friends. Dorothea was predeceased by her second husband, George who was 95 years old. Dorothea is grandmother to 11 grandchildren Dennis R (Laurie), Thomas R, Thomas W (Christina), Christopher, Paula (Stephen), Leah, Dennis F, Bobby, Rosina, Caitlin, Siobhan and 8 great grandchildren Alyssa, Austin, Dennis, Emily, Thomas, Charlotte, Harper, and Mason. Her love will continue on in the many lives she touched…

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