Victor Ralph Caferri

Our Lady of Mercy’s ADULT FORMATION/RCIA Team is indebted to Victor for his many years of dedicated service to our mission as Hospitality Coordinator. Victor was an angel and a beautiful and caring human being. Our sincerest condolences to Victor’s family.

Remembering such a wonderful loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed.

Victor & “Jo” (& by extension the Caferri family) had a profound impact on my youth. Interestingly, the memory of Victor (after so many years) which is most vivid to me was his infectious laugh. I alway thought it near mystical that his daughter, Stacey, inherited the same sounding laugh….wonder if she still has it?…if so, it’s certainly an “inheritance” of sorts she should certainly cherish!

A story:
after many, many decades, I revisited NY to be with my mother during a horrific surgical procedure. Having found Victor & “Jo’s” Plainview address on the internet, I drove to their home to surprise them. Upon ringing the doorbell, Victor came to the door. I, of course recognized him immediately. Unfortunately, the feeling wasn’t mutual as he asked, “can I help you?”. I couldn’t help but “toy” & have fun with him & the moment. I stated, “Cmon’ Victor….dig deep….you can do it!….who am I?” After a minute or two, with the lack of recognition persisting, I said, “It’s me….Howie”. I stood there watching his brain work, for a minute in “rewind mode” & then all of a sudden his eyes widened & his face filled with joy as he proclaimed, “HOWIE!!!” A memory that will remain with me until my own “last moments”! Through the evening, such a wonderful visit with Victor & “Jo” proceeded. When the visit came to an end, the 3 of us (all tear filled) hugged at their front door as I, stated, “ I’ll never, ever forget you!!!” Such words couldn’t be truer!
As my own family’s prior generation has now passed, my wife & I often tell the stories of our experiences with them (most of them funny). In this way they live on in us. Victor will occupy a most worthy (if not sacred), similar space in my brain & so, will live on with me! The kindness & goodness Victor & “Jo” taught by example…..of how to treat others has persevered with me & has served me very, VERY well. It is a debt of gratitude impossible to repay!!
Much Love to the Caferri’s!!!
Howie

My Grandpa will be my guardian angel. He loved my dearly I loved him too. We always used to go fishing and go to pastaria in Syosset and have parties at the yacht club. We always had Thanksgiving and Christmas together and celebrated the hollidays. He was a WW2 Navy Veteran and if he died in WW2, I wouldn’t be on this planet. I used to march with him during Memorial Day Parades and that always made him happy. When I would visit him it always made his day no matter when I come. He always was nice guy and he never said anything mean to anyone. He always was a happy old man. I will miss my Grandfather so much . RIP 1924-2023