Doreen Spadorcia

August 12, 1957 - November 16, 2017

Doreen (Dor) Spadorcia, age 60, beloved wife of Richard (Rick) Cavo, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, November 16, 2017. Born August 12, 1957 to the late James J. Spadorcia and Elena (Pizzoferrato) Spadorcia, Doreen was the oldest of four children. Raised in Rocky Hill, she attended public schools there, going on to earn her BA from Eastern Michigan University, and a JD (Order of the Coif) and Masters Degree in International Relations from Florida State University. During her insurance career, Doreen also earned CPCU and CLU designations. In 1986 Doreen moved from the private practice of law in Tallahassee, Florida to become a claim attorney for the Aetna Life & Casualty in Hartford, and through intelligent work, dedication and commitment rose in 2014 to become the first female Vice Chairman of The Travelers Companies, a position she held until retiring in September, 2016 after 30 years of service. In her Travelers’ role, Doreen oversaw one of the largest property/casualty insurers in the country and was known to tackle complex industry challenges. Never one to fold her cards easily or quickly, she was known for her high standards, exceptional intelligence, resolve, strength of character and unbending principles. She was widely recognized as a highly energetic, outstanding leader who always operated for the betterment of the company. Doreen also served on the company’s Management Committee and as a Director of the Travelers Foundation. In addition, she was a Director of KickStart International, a non-profit organization focused principally on issues relating to the acquisition of potable water. Doreen was forever proud of her two daughters, Emily and Elena, and was always quick to share stories about their family life. Throughout her life, Doreen touched many lives, both professionally and personally. One of her many hallmark traits was her very generous nature, often reaching out to help someone in need. She enjoyed time at the seashore, had an infectious laugh, and loved to read and dance. Doreen was never far from music, as she began playing piano at a very early age, and developed into a talented pianist. Doreen leaves behind to celebrate her life her loving mother Elena Spadorcia, her soul mate Rick, who was her biggest fan, daughter Emily (Ridenour) Calitri and husband Brett, and daughter Elena Ridenour. She also leaves her much loved siblings and their families, sister Donna and husband Michael Giuffrida, brother Jim Spadorcia, and sister Marie and husband Sal Lonero. She was the consummate aunt to six nephews and three nieces, Jeff, Brian and Scott Giuffrida, Stefen, Damon and Sal Lonero, Laura Giuffrida, and Amanda and Alison Spadorcia, and grandson Caleb Calitri. Additionally, Mike Ridenour, aunts Ann Betancourt and Lucia Pizzoferrato, and in particular, her aunt Dina Pizzoferrato. She also leaves very special Cavo relatives and friends, two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law, and their families - Al (Funzie) Cavo, his wife Sue and their children and grandchildren, Jim Cavo, his wife Terry and their children and grandchildren, and Carol (Cavo) Kloppel, her husband Bob and their children and grandchildren. Her Cavo family members were a great joy to Doreen and she loved them very much. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, November 21, from 4pm to 8pm at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, November 22, at 10 am at Christ the King Parish at Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT. Everyone is asked to meet at the church and to park in the school parking lot on the right. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park on Elm Street. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to do so, contributions can be made to the Spadorcia/Cavo Charitable Fund, the AYCO Charitable Foundation for Benefit, P.O. Box 15203, Albany, NY, 12212.