WINSTED — Descendants of Antonio and Maria Cannavo gathered at the Winchester Historical Society’s Solomon Rockwell House on Prospect Street to honor family members Connie Cannavo Zaccara and Joseph Cannavo over Labor Day weekend.
In honor of Zaccara’s 90th birthday, Cannavo cousins Maggie and Ralph Malanca purchased two trees, a “mighty oak� for Joe Cannavo and a kousa dogwood tree for Connie, which were planted on the front lawn of the Historical Society to honor their respective legacies in Winchester over the past several decades.
“We chose these two specific trees because they fit their personalities perfectly,� said Maggie Malanca. “We wanted to plant and dedicate them as a family so their memory will last forever in this town.�
Oak trees are described as able to purify and nurture the air and its surroundings — which family members said “Uncle Joe� Cannavo has done for his family and friends. The personal dedication was a surprise for Joseph Cannavo Sr., who thought he was just on hand to help celebrate his sister’s tree dedication.
Born in 1924, Cannavo served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Thunderbird destroyer in the South Pacific. He also served on the Conservation Commission in Winsted and is a past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, where he was recently honored for 55 years of service. He is the father of six children, who all still reside in Winsted.
Joseph Cannavo Jr. described his dad as “my mentor, my amazing father, a perfect person to honor in such a special way.� Granddaughter Sophia Cannavo recited a poem entitled “An Oak Tree� to emphasize her love and respect for her grandfather.
The kousa dogwood tree, planted in honor of Zaccara, represented the day’s “main event.� She was born July 3, 1920, and spent the majority of her life working in Winchester and serving the community. She worked at The Clock Shop, Son Chief Electric, Daniel’s Curtain Shop and Danfield Thread. She was crowned “Miss Winsted� (now known as The Laurel Queen) in August 1945.
Zaccara’s tree was chosen for its “beauty and its white blossoms, which symbolize your grace and beauty that you have shared with your family and friends over all these years,� said Malanca in her dedication.
The Historical Society was chosen as a place to be enjoyed by generations to come to remember two pillars of the Winchester community, and many members of the Cannavo family came out to celebrate the dedication under sunny blue skies. They shared stories and good memories of Cannavo Sr. and Zaccara during the event.
Cannavo Sr.’s daughter-in-law, Theresa Cannavo, recalled a story in which Cannavo Sr. taught her how to properly tie a floral bow when she was a teenager, a practice she still uses to this day, when creating floral arrangements and helping with the family landscaping company.
Milly Hudak of the Historical Society was on hand for the dedication and guided a special tour through the Solomon Rockwell House for members of the family.
More information on the trees can be obtained through the Cannavo family or by visiting the trees themselves on the front lawn of the Historical Society.
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
Samir LanGusProvided
