NORRISTOWN – Perhaps the words of his son best described Phil W. Cavalcante and provided the lasting legacy of a man driven by faith and family. “His trust in God allowed him to live with strength, gratitude, courage and love.”
Even if you didn’t know Phil Cavalcante personally, that one sentiment opens the door of familiarity and sheds a bright light on the core of Phil Cavalcante. “Strength, gratitude, courage and love.”
Phil Cavalcante’s death in February 2021 was a devastating loss for his family, his friends, Visitation BVM parish, the Norristown area community and his business associates at Kutztown Auto and Turnpike Chevrolet in Berk County.
But his strength, his gratitude, his courage and love continue to be the heartbeat of those he left behind – the guiding force that continues to inspire all who knew him. So much so that Cavalcante’s life force inspired the Michael Petrone Foundation to host this year’s golf outing in his memory – with all proceeds being directed to two charities closest to Cavalcante’s heart – Ken’s Krew and Keystone Warriors.
“Phil personified what the Petrone Foundation is all about – he was dedicated to God, family and kids,” said Joe Shemar, one of the lead organizers of the Petrone Foundation. “He really took care of the people who meant the most to him. He always supported the Petrone Foundation, both with his time and with his resources. So we wanted to return that support, and give to the charities that were most important to our friend.”
Cavalcante first became involved with Ken’s Krew through family friends Michael A. LaPera Jr. and his mom Karen. Michael, a graduate of St. Katherine Day School (a special needs school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia) and his mom were looking for employment programs that would benefit Michael. According to its mission statement, Ken’s Krew provides job placement, training and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities in competitive employment.
Nicole Cavalcante Krapf, Phil’s daughter, said the benefits Michael LePera received through Ken’s Krew made a believer out of her father.
“My dad always liked to shine a light on this organization and bring awareness of the opportunities available and make sure this organization continues to grow,” Krapf said.
As the son of a veteran, Krapf said, Phil Cavalcante knew all too well what the men and women of the military, and their families, give up in order to serve the greater good.
“Above all things Dad was a man of God, family and country,” Krapf said. “He wanted to make sure those who took care of us were taken care of. Being the son of a veteran, he appreciated the daily sacrifice they make to fight for us. Many veterans, unfortunately, fall on hard times and he wanted to make sure he was able to contribute to ease those burdens.”
The golf outing, scheduled for Sept. 20 at Bella Vista Golf Club in Gilbertsville, is the perfect backdrop for an event honoring a man who, quite simply, loved the game and everything about it.
“His love for golf was truly remarkable,” offered Phil Cavalcante. “He brought the same competitive attitude from business onto the course and if things didn’t go smoothly on one day, he’d be back out there the next trying to make up for it with better swings and a better score.”
As co-owner of Kutztown Auto and Turnpike Chevrolet, Cavalcante, said his son Phil, made his business more like family, and everyone reaped the rewards of Cavalcante’s work ethic.
“His drive and focus allowed him to achieve so much for not only himself but his partners and employees at Kutztown Auto and Turnpike Chevrolet,” Cavalcante said. “He brought the best out of others by example and success came natural to him. Hardworking was an understatement with Phil. He wholly lived the business each and every day and made incredible friends in a business that is designed to make foes.”
Phil Cavalcante, who was 65 when died after battling an illness, left behind his devoted wife of 41 years AnnaMarie, his children – Phil, Vincent and Nicole, two brothers, two sisters and many nephews and nieces, and sadly, grandchildren who will never know the man who left such an impactful legacy. But while his grandchildren will not be able to hold the hand of such a beloved, giving man – they most certainly will always feel the beat of Phil Cavalcante’s heart – his strength, his gratitude, his courage and his love.
