William M. Cafaro mausoleum vandalized

YOUNGSTOWN — Police are investigating an apparent act of vandalism to the grave site of longtime businessman William M. Cafaro.

Police were dispatched about 6:30 p.m. Thursday to Calvary Cemetery, 248 S. Belle Vista Ave., on the city’s West Side, where they found the door to Cafaro’s mausoleum open.

Upon further investigation, pry marks were found on the doors, and the lock was pried open, police said.

Cafaro’s casket was also found on the floor, but it was unopened. According to police, there appeared to be attempts made to open the casket as well.

Cafaro, a Youngstown entrepreneur, developed the Cafaro Company, one of the largest commerical real-estate developers in the nation. He died in April 1998 at the age of 84. His net worth at his death was estimated at $800 million by Forbes magazine.

Joe Bell, the company’s director of corporate communications, said police are investigating the break-in, although it does not appear that the vandal was able to open the casket.

“All we know about it is it appeared to be a random act of vandalism,” he said.

Police took pictures and attempted to lift fingerprints from the scene.