Frank L. 'Cec' Caferro, 89

Lifelong resident of Whitefish, Frank L. “Cec” Caferro, 89, passed away at home Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012.

Born March 12, 1922, to Frank C. and Theresa Caferro, Cec grew up in the Italian neighborhood affectionately known as “Little Italy.” Following the Italian tradition, Cec became famous throughout Flathead Valley for his spaghetti and meatballs.

Cec’s musical talents started at an early age with the violin. However, Cec is best known for playing the saxophone. Besides music, Cec loved sports. In high school, basketball, football, and tennis kept Cec busy. He and his cousin, Marlo Lence, took second in State Doubles for tennis. They practiced on the clay courts that they and a few others built on a Great Northern lot. Cec was an avid tennis player into his 80s.

As a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Cec proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Following the war, he met his future wife, Mary “Patty” Osborne from Lewiston, Idaho, on a blind date. Upon returning to Whitefish, he worked on the Great Northern and Burlington Northern Railroad for 42 years.

After work, Cec enjoyed playing the tenor sax and clarinet in his band known as the Cec Caferro Quartet. He always ended the night with “Blue Moon.” He played in 14-piece bands, including The Robin Hoods and the Don Lawrence Dance Band. He played in several combos throughout the Northwest, as far away as Spokane.  

Cec was very active at work and in the community. His memberships include the Railway Carmen Union of the U.S. and Canada; BNSF Veterans Association; American Federation of Musicians for 45 years, and local representative for 15 years; Stumptown Historical Society; Loyal Order of the Moose for 48 years; Legion of the Moose for 21 years, Knights of Columbus, Council 7630 life member, past Grand Knight; American Legion, Post 108 life member, past commander; longtime co-chairman of the local American Legion Oratorical Committee, past chairman of the district committee and past member of the state committee; Veterans of Foreign Wars life member and past commander, served on the committee for the Voice of Democracy and the VFW Scholarship Program; and Whitefish City Council, chairing the Water Committee and serving on the Street and Alley and Parks Committees.

 The winter of 2000 was memorable for Cec and his family when he was King Ullr XLI of the Whitefish Winter Carnival. One highlight was the parade where Cec used his tennis racquet to send tennis balls into the crowds lining the streets.

Cec received the Kari Dodge Community Service Award, as well as several other awards for his dedication to his community.

Val Talbot and Cec met at the Golden Agers and then enjoyed spending time together, going out to dinner, attending Mass, especially in Glacier Park, and date night.

The last few years of his life, Cec lived at home with the loving attention of care givers who quickly became part of his family. He enjoyed life to the fullest, from being entertained by Mimi the squirrel on his back porch to watching Sen. Caferro on TV.

Cec’s loving wife of 60 years, Patty, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his six children, Sharon Hale and Dennis of Astoria, Ore.; Theresa Senese and David of Winfield, Ill.; Debbie Caferro of Whitefish; Sen. Mary Caferro of Helena; Frank Caferro and Idelmira of Salt Lake City; and Duran Caferro of Helena; 10 grandchildren, Spencer McMahan, Jesse and Keysa Hale, Margaret, Hallie, Joseph and Kenji Swain, Karl and Shawna McConnell, and Duran Caferro Jr.; five great-grandchildren, Mia, Conner, Alyx, Gabby and Buster; and his beloved Val Talbot.  

He was known to many and loved for his brilliant smile, wit and charming personality. Cec’s favorite places were Glacier National Park and home. His favorite actives include family reunions, attending the Ice Capades in Spokane, and visiting with family.

Cec said, “I want my family to remember me for loving them and providing for them.” His message to his family and friends is “I love you all.”

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, with rosary following, at Austin Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at St. Charles Catholic Church.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Helena Eagles Boxing Club, c/o Duran Caferro, 1730 Butte Ave., Helena, MT 59601; or the American Legion Post 108 Oratorical Contest, P.O. Box 1024, Whitefish, MT 59937.

You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Cec’s tribute wall.

Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.