Philip Caccavale

Philip J. Caccavale, 95, of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully in his home on May 19, 2017. He is preceded in death by 10 months by his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Caccavale.
Phil was born on March 1, 1922 to Gabriel "Robbie" and Josephine Caccavale in Brooklyn, New York and he graduated from Murray Hill High School in New York City. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served with the 30th Infantry, 3rd Division. He saw combat in Africa and Europe and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star and twice awarded the Purple Heart and finally discharged after being severely wounded.
In spite of his disability, Phil and Betty owned and operated a successful home heating and plumbing business in Queens, NY where they raised their two children. Phil was active in their community including serving as troop leader for Boy Scout Troup 195 and the in Lions Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He grew up shooting pool and was considered an expert at the game.
After retiring to Brevard he continued his volunteer and community activities.
He was a founding member of the Connestee Falls Fishing Club and fished there just 3 weeks before the end of his life. He volunteered at the Job Corps for many years, sharing his life skills. He was an avid wood carver and met weekly with the group from the Opportunity House. His time was spent surrounded by a wonderful group of friends who meant so much to him.
Phil loved remarking that he was retired longer than the years he worked and enjoyed every minute in the company of his beloved wife, Betty, his family and his very dear friends.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Robert and Emma of Hendersonville, and by his daughter Clara Josephs and her husband Jerry, by his granddaughter Gina Greenberg and her husband Jason, and by his great granddaughter Lilliana, all of Orange County, California.
A wake will be held at Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations in Brevard from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 and from 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 noon on Wednesday. Funeral services for Mr. Caccavale will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Brevard with Rev. Mike Holder and Rev. Lauren Sims-Salata officiating. Interment, with full military rites performed by the North Carolina National Guard and the Transylvania County Honor Guard for Veterans, will be held at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Brevard, 325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712.
To leave a condolence for the family of Philip Caccavale, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .
Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is caring for the family.