Joseph B. Cavallaro Council #4884 of the Knights of Columbus was founded in February 1960. It was named after Dr. Joseph B. Cavallaro, a prominent community leader in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn. Dr. Cavallaro was an outstanding Catholic layman and American citizen who devoted himself to the practice of his Catholic Faith and to the interests of his community.
In December 1948, Dr. Cavallaro was appointed as “Knight of the Holy Sepulchre” by His Holiness Pope Pius 12th with approval of His Excellency Thomas E. Molloy, then Bishop of Brooklyn. In September 1952, he was elevated to “Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulchre” by His Holiness Pope Pius the 12th with approval of His Eminence Francis Cardinal Spellman.
Dr. Cavallaro passed away on August 22nd, 1957 at the age of 53. His death occurred on his 32nd wedding anniversary leaving behind his wife Linda, sons Joseph, Richard, John, and Peter, and his daughter Loretta.
The members of Joseph B. Cavallaro Council are proud to follow his leadership through the Knights of Columbus where we have the opportunity to offer our time and energy to the needs of mankind.
Each year, just before Thanksgiving, our council collects food and clothing for the needy. The food is donated to St. Athanasius’ Food Pantry where it is distributed to neighborhood families going through difficult times. Our council also donates money to St. A’s sports program and our members are involved in the Bensonhurst Cluster Youth Ministry that encompasses numerous parishes in our area including St. Athanasius, St. Dominic, St. Mary’s, and others.
Some of our biggest events are with our freinds from HeartShare. Each year in the summer we invite children to attend our Family Picnic. The children are given lunch & snacks. They get to play various outdoor games, go swimming and build crafts. During the holidays, our friends join us for our Annual Children’s Christmas party where Santa comes to visit and brings a gift for each child.
Every year, in the month of September since 2002, the Knights of Columbus in New York State participate in a charity softball game to support the Special Olympics. Over the years, tens of thousands of dollars have been collected and turned over to special Olympic organizations throughout the state of New York. Every penny collected that day is donated to this worthy cause. All prizes, food, drinks, games, etc. are donated and the money collected goes to the State Charitable and Benevolent program where it is then forward to the Special Olympic organizations. Members of our council volunteer their time and talents to help run the activities and some even play in the game.