Obituary of Matthew Caggiano

Matthew A. Caggiano, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, after a long and courageous battle with a chronic lung condition. Matt was born in Orange, New Jersey on May 25, 1928. He lived there until the age of nine, when his family moved to Albany, NY. At 17, Matt joined the U.S. Army. He served at the end of WWII in the South Pacific Islands. His crew was responsible for purifying and distilling water to Saipan Island. Matt also received his GED while serving in the Army. Matt was married to Evelyn Smith on Sept. 24, 1955. They were happily married for over 52 years until Evelyn's death in April 2008. Matt was a devoted father to his four daughters. He was loved by so many of his daughter's girlfriends, they considered Matt as their second father. Matt was respected for his hard work ethic. He worked at his family's business, The American Laminating Company for many years. Matt was also employed by the U.S. Post Office and owned his own landscaping business. Matt worked for almost 20 years for Schenectady School District. He retired in 1992 as head custodian at the former Linton High School. Matt served as CSEA President where he negotiated fair wages and benefits for custodians, matrons and maintenance workers. Matt was involved in Schenectady politics and Schenectady school board. He was an excellent strategist and helped many candidates win their elections. After his wife, Evelyn, died, Matt moved to Guilderland. He spent time visiting between his daughters' homes in Guilderland and Snellville, Georgia. At the age of 80, Matt began to write. His short stories will be treasured by his family. He was a man of God and had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Matthew was also known as a terrific Italian cook. Matt will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, father-in-law and adoring grandfather. His positive attitude, compassion for others, silly songs and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Matt is survived by his daughters, Mary Frances Caggiano of Schenectady, Kathleen Caggiano-Siino and husband, John Siino or Guilderland, Regina Hart and husband, Paul Hart, of Snellville, Georgia and Lyn Caggiano-Cresswell and husband, Justin Cresswell of Albany. Matt was the proud grandfather of six loving grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Nicole, Marisa, Julia and Lily. Matt is survived by his sister, Janet Allegretti and husband, Joseph Allegretti; his brother and best friend, Peter Kajano and wife, Colleen Kajano. Matthew is survived by many nieces, nephews and several cousins. He is also survived by his in-laws, Joseph and Patricia Smith, Victoria Smith and Patricia Smith. Funeral services, Monday morning, 8:30, from the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady, and 9 o'clock at St. Luke's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours, Sunday afternoon, 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment, Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Middle Granville, NY. Contributions may be made to St. Luke's Church, 1241 State St., Schenectady, NY 12304 or the American Cancer Society , 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.