Cafiero Benjamin DeChellis

Cafiero Benjamin DeChellis, age 90, passed away in his South Yarmouth, Massachusetts home on Friday, May 15, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Walpole, Massachusetts on May 5, 1930, he was the son of the late James and Mary (Capaldo) DeChellis.  He was raised in Walpole and attended Walpole High School before graduating from Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston with the Class of 1948.  Following his graduation, Cafiero enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean War.  He was stationed in Japan with the 269th Wheeled Vehicle Repair Detachment.  Cafiero was honorably discharged in July of 1952, after earning the rank of Corporal.  Upon his discharge, he returned to his hometown of Walpole, however, after a short stay, he traveled to Italy for a few months.

 

While visiting Italy, Cafiero met his soon to be wife, Giuseppina "Josephine" Vella.  They were married on August 8, 1954 and Cafiero returned to the United States, taking a job with Bird and Son in East Walpole.  Josephine joined him in February of 1955 and the young couple of made their home together in Cafiero's childhood home on Washington Street in East Walpole.  As his family began to grow, Cafiero's career led him to Draper Brothers in Canton, where he worked as a millwright for 35 years, until his retirement.  Following his retirement, Cafiero looked forward to spending his winters in his condo in West Palm Beach Florida, and in 2015, Cafiero made his new home in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, enjoying the Cape life.

 

When he wasn't hard at work, Cafiero loved being outdoors.  As a sportsman, Cafiero looked forward to hunting and fishing seasons, as an avid golfer, he took advantage of spending time on the area courses, and he enjoyed playing bocce with friends.  Back at home, he always made sure his garden was meticulously maintained and he honored his family's tradition of making homemade wine.  Most of all, Cafiero was a dedicated family man, who loved being surrounded by his wife, children, and grandson.

 

Beloved husband of Giuseppina "Josephine" (Vella) DeChellis

Loving father of Cynthia Vincent and her husband, William, of South Yarmouth, the late James DeChellis, and the late Mary DeChellis.

Cherished grandfather of Robert Boyden of South Yarmouth.

Devoted brother of Alba Humsey of St. Petersburg, FL and the late Paul DeChellis.

 

As a result of the ongoing health crisis in the world and our community and with genuine concern for the well-being of all involved, Cafiero’s family has decided that his funeral services will be private. Interment will take place in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The MDS Foundation, 4573 South Broad Street, Suite 150, Yardville, MA 08620. www.mds-foundation.org