Mark A. Cavallaro, a 56-year-old resident of Bedford, Massachusetts, and formerly of Waltham, Massachusetts, tragically passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024. He was the beloved partner of Thelma Tatten for the past 26 years, who also died on the same day under the same circumstances.
The incident occurred when Mark and Thelma were shot by their daughter, Jessica Cavallaro, in a car on Washington Street in Bedford.
According to investigators, Jessica Cavallaro had come home from work unexpectedly that morning, citing a panic attack, and her parents had picked her up and taken her to her boyfriend's home on Washington Street. After spending about 30 minutes inside the house, Jessica allegedly shot both her parents in the head when they were in the car, preparing to go to breakfast. Thelma Tatten died in the car, while Mark Cavallaro died after being taken to the hospital.
Mark Cavallaro was a devoted partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, on June 25, 1967, to the late Philip Cavallaro Jr. and survived by his mother, Gail Cavallaro. He had a son, Ryan Tatten, and a daughter, Jessica Cavallaro, as well as a grandson, Jamison Tatten. Mark worked as a laborer for MacLeod & Moynihan in Watertown and later dedicated his time to helping others with mental, intellectual, and developmental disabilities at the Edinburgh Center in Bedford, where he was recently awarded a Shining Star award for his contributions.
Jessica Cavallaro, the 24-year-old daughter of Mark and Thelma, was arrested at the scene and is being held without bail. She has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and is due back in court on August 20. The gun used in the shooting belonged to her boyfriend, who had several firearms in a safe inside the home. Jessica did not have a license to carry a firearm.
Mark Cavallaro's death has been deeply felt by his community, with many remembering him for his passion for sports, especially hockey, and his various interests including paranormal adventures, music, history, and spending time with family. A graveside funeral service was held privately for his family at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham.
