Published in the May 14, 2018 edition.
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Catherine “Kay” Consalvo, 92, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home in Ft. Lauderdale after a brief illness. Catherine was the daughter of Susan (Assunta Calcagni) and Antonio “Tony” Consalvo of Everett, Mass.
Catherine was a native of Everett but lived most of her life in Wakefield before retiring and moving to Florida. Even as a young child Catherine was a hard worker and had various jobs throughout her childhood. She was happy to work and help out her family. During the war Catherine worked at the Navy yard selling war bonds. She was a go-getter and her sales were so high that she was made an honorary Chaplain. Her father started a trucking company – Consalvo Trucking – and was in on the ground floor of some of the major projects in Boston including the Prudential building, Center Plaza, Charles River Park, the State House, Logan Airport, and many others. She worked with her brother William for many years and eventually took over the company after he passed away.
Catherine was a caring person and had an impact on the lives of the hundreds of people she came into contact with – some profoundly. She had great intuition as well as compassion so it was second nature for her to guide people and help put them on the path to success. She always knew how to handle a situation and always knew what to say. Not only was she a great businesswoman, she was an amazing cook. The delicious aromas that hit you when you walked into her house were mouth watering – and if an army had shown up at her door there would have been plenty for everyone.
Catherine was predeceased by her brother William “Willy” Consalvo, and her daughters Cathy King of Florida and LeeAnn Coyne of Wakefield. She is survived by her daughter Mary Madigan and her partner Martin Boggis of Maine, her sister Esther Cussen of New York, her sister Gilda Comitto of Essex, her bother Donald “Sonny” Consalvo of Florida, as well as her grandchildren, Joseph and Stacey Lachiana of Weymouth, James Lachiana of Andover, Danielle Madigan of San Diego, Jason Doughty of Boston, Gary King of Wakefield, Brandon King of Everett, and her three great-grandchildren Madeline, Ava and Olivia of Weymouth. She is also survived by her lifelong friend and business partner Arthur King and long time friends and business associates Anne Penny Pinhas and Rhoda Warren and lifetime friend Phyllis Ciampa.
Catherine lived a full, rich life and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Even in her death she was still giving as she had her body donated to science. Services will be private.
