When Richie Cavallaro was born, his mother Rosemarie called him “our little miracle guy.”
Born four months premature and weighing just one pound, Rosemarie said Richie fought to stay alive.
Though born blind, Richie lived a life full of music, faith and family and was affectionately known as “our piano man,” his mother said.
Richie died on Nov. 17 at age 28 from a virus that attacked his lungs and heart.
Richie is survived by his parents, Rosemarie of Roslyn Heights and Richard Cavallaro of Huntington, and his two sisters, Adriana Manning, 29, and Dena Cavallaro, 21.
Rosemarie said Richie died on World Prematurity Day and was buried on the Feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.
“Richie’s zest for life was so inspiring and he truly saw the world and all those around him with pure love,” Rosemarie said. “Richie will be missed dearly and there are no words that can take away our pain, but what has provided some comfort through all of this are the happy memories we shared together.”
Richie graduated from Herricks High School in 2008 and was actively involved in music during his time in school, including the school’s chamber choir. Rosemarie said Richie sang every day and was often found at the piano.
In his memory, Rosemarie started a GoFundMe page, aiming to raise $25,000 for a scholarship for Herricks students who are either involved in music or have special needs.
“Herricks was so wonderful to him,” Rosemarie said. “Having a scholarship in Richie’s name will allow other students either to pursue something in the music field or, if it’s someone with special needs, who needs equipment because Richie was blessed in so many ways, I want to make sure other students have the same opportunities that Richie had.
“This scholarship hopefully will go on for many years, even after the GoFundMe page is done, because we’re going to find ways to help other like Richie did.”
Richie’s former high school choral teacher Louise O’Hanlon said he was always smiling and never gave away a hint of personal struggles. Richie was an all-state vocalist during his time at Herricks and “his rich bass baritone voice was the foundation of the chamber choir” during his senior year, she said.
As a lifelong Billy Joel fan, O’Hanlon said Richie was always singing his hits and playing them on the piano.
“Though blind, Richie saw with his heart. He always saw the best in people and we who knew Richie, were better for having had him in our lives,” O’Hanlon said.
After high school, Richie stayed local, studying information technology at Hofstra University. He was also part of Hofstra’s chamber choir and worked at the WRHU radio station on campus.
In June, Richie accepted his “dream job,” his mother said, teaching other blind people about technology, such as how to use a keyboard, at the Virginia State Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired in Richmond, Virginia.
Richie was also heavily involved with St. Aidan’s Church, where Rosemarie also works in the church’s social ministry program.
Rosemarie compared her son to a saint — not in the aspect of perfection, but in reference to his ability to always forgive and act Christlike in everything he did.
“I wish I had more time with him because his work wasn’t done, but I do believe his ability to see with his heart is something that will inspire all those who knew him,” Rosemarie said. “This boy, my son, was the happiest boy you’ll ever meet in your life.”
