Obituary of Attilio J Caira

Attilio Joseph Caira, devoted husband, cherished family man, and master cabinet maker, passed away on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and skill.

He was the son of the late Ernest and Maria (D’Intinosanto) Caira and was born in his parents’ farmhouse in Newton, MA. Attilio spent his early years working on the family farm. There, he developed the patience, precision, and diligent work ethic that would later define his career as a highly skilled finish cabinet maker. Throughout his life, he worked for several companies and independently, always bringing unmatched craftsmanship to his trade. A true perfectionist, Attilio poured his heart into everything he created with extreme attention to detail. In addition to the multitudes of churches, libraries, and homes he worked on throughout his career, his craftsmanship shone in the beautiful fireplace and mantel he built in his home, the cabinets in his kitchen, and the homes of his family and friends.

Attilio’s greatest happiness came from spending time with his family and traveling with his beloved wife. Together they shared countless adventures, embarking on many cruises and creating lasting memories. He was an excellent storyteller and loved to share about his travels, life at the orphanage, upbringing on the farm, and his work as a cabinet maker. All who knew him well heard about the perils of Peggy (the family farm dog), his mischief in the Arboretum as a child, and the doors in the Harvard library. Additionally, he was a talent to aspire to and a great mentor to all. He found so much happiness in helping his family create, leaving his legacy in pieces of great craftsmanship throughout their homes.

Beyond his work and travels, Attilio found joy in simple pleasures. He loved making homemade gnocchi with his family for Christmas dinner every year and playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved playing cards, Farkle, and a $5 crossword scratch ticket. His attention to detail made him a lover of words and strategy. He never turned down a good game of Scrabble or a crossword puzzle. When he wasn’t at his workbench or playing games, he could be found tending to his vegetable garden, nurturing each plant with the same care he gave to everything in his life.

Attilio was predeceased by his siblings Maria Rose Caira, Eleanor Melanson, Armando Caira, and Fred Caira; and his daughter-in-law Susan Jo Caira.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Shirley (Proia) Caira of Burlington; his children, Brian Caira of Wakefield, Laurene Beaudette and her husband Eric of Lexington, Jeffrey Caira and his wife Donna of Deerfield, NH; his siblings, Albert Caira of Chelmsford, and Margaret Toomey of Newton; his grandchildren, Robert Caira, Elise Caira, Michelle Beaudette and Joseph Andrew; his great grandchildren, Gianna Caira, Dante Caira, Auden Frances, Mason Lincoln-Caira, and Micah Lincoln-Caira.

Attilio’s warm spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His love and legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Contribution in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/