Cosimo Altavilla's Obituary
Cosimo Altavilla, 90, of East Syracuse, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 18, 2023. He was born in Sant’Eufemia d’Aspromonte Reggio Calabria Italy, son of the late Rocco and Maria (Gioffre) Altavilla. Cosimo came to the U.S. in 1961 and became a member of an Italian band playing the accordion. He opened his own hair salon, Cosimo’s Hair Horizons in Cicero, and was the operator for over 30 dedicated years. He enjoyed gardening, playing Italian cards and bocce with his family and friends.
He was predeceased by his sister, Antonia; his brother, Giuseppe, and childhood friend and brother-in-law, Rocco Cambareri.
Cosimo is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosa (Gilona) Altavilla; two daughters, Maria (Joseph) Musolino and Angela (John) King, Jr., six grandchildren, Dominick (Loren) Musolino, Casandra (Tom Munzert) Musolino, Andrea (Frank) Chiaravalloti, John P. King III, Justin R. King and Jason A. King; two great-grandchildren, Ava and Damon Musolino; his siblings in Italy, Vincenzo, Concetta, Maria, Antonino and Francesco; brother-in-law, Stefano (Santina) Gilona; sister-in-law, Mimma Cambareri, brother-in-law, Giovanni Gilona; along with several nieces and nephews locally and in Italy as well.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Cosimo’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, June 26, 2023 at St. Matthews Church, East Syracuse. Private entombment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family and will be donated to Cosimo’s childhood church, S.Eufemia d’Aspromonte in Italy.
What’s your fondest memory of Cosimo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cosimo?
Share a story where Cosimo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cosimo you’ll never forget.
How did Cosimo make you smile?
