Patricia M. "Trisha" Cacciapaglia, 74

Patricia M. "Trisha" Cacciapaglia, 74, of Wrentham, a beloved pillar in the dance and gymnastics community, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Born in Attleboro, she was the daughter of the late Dorothea (McNeil) and William J. McKeon. She was the wife of 53 years to Peter R. Cacciapaglia of Wrentham.

As an only child, Trisha was deeply influenced by her mother, who owned a dance studio and was a passionate dance instructor. Inspired by her mother's passion, Trisha embarked on her own journey at age 20, opening her own dance studio, The McKeon School of Dance in Franklin. In 1971, Trisha, alongside her husband Peter, who joined her as a gymnastics coach and studio owner, helped The McKeon School become one of the first schools in Massachusetts to introduce a gymnastics program. Initially a recreational activity, the program quickly evolved into a competitive team. Under their leadership, the team made an impressive mark on the gymnastics scene, winning numerous state and regional titles and gaining recognition for excellence. What began as a modest 2,000 square-foot space with 100 students blossomed into a renowned establishment of 12,000 square feet, serving over 700 students, proudly known as McKeon Dance and Gymnastic Center in Hopedale.

Trisha's dedication to her craft was evident in her studio's success and its expansion to include gymnastics. Her vision and leadership led her to travel extensively, representing her studio in dance and gymnastics competitions across the country and internationally. One of her most memorable achievements was taking over 150 students to Berlin, Germany, in 1995 for the World Gymnaestrada, showcasing the talent and spirit of her studio on an international stage. Later, in 2010, her students participated in the Shanghai Dance Festival in Shanghai, China, further demonstrating the studio's international reach and the high level of its performers. Under Trisha's visionary leadership, her studio became a cornerstone of the dance and gymnastics community, and many of her students went on to achieve remarkable success. Her former students have graced Broadway stages, excelled in state and regional competitions, and built flourishing careers in dance, a testament to her exceptional mentorship and dedication.

Trisha's legacy lives on through the countless students she inspired and the vibrant community she built. She will be remembered for her passion, her generosity, and her unwavering dedication to dance and gymnastics. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Trisha loved knitting and had a love for travel, especially the Caribbean. Most importantly, Trisha cherished her daughter Kyle, with whom she shared a special and unbreakable bond.

Besides her husband, Trisha is survived by her daughter, Kyle Cacciapaglia, and her spouse, Susan Nogueira of Mahopac, New York. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Alexander and Ava, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved son, Erik Cacciapaglia, with whom she is now reunited in heaven, a long-awaited reunion that brings comfort to her family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 9th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 10th at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 187 Hopedale St. in Hopedale. Burial will be held privately at a later date.

In honor of Trisha's vibrant personality and her love for pink, the color of her studio, guests are encouraged to wear pink to the wake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, https://lustgarten.org/get-involved/?form=give