Vincent James Cavallaro

Vincent James “Jim” Cavallaro, 86, passed away April 27, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Macomb, Michigan. Born and raised in Detroit, Jim graduated from Denby High School in 1957 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Hubbard, on August 26, 1961. Together they raised three children — Valerie, Sue, and Nick. Jim was proud of his kids and was an amazing grandfather (Papa) to Sarah (who had Papa wrapped around her little finger from the moment he first saw her) and Alex (Papa affectionately called him Junior and was thrilled to have a buddy to bond with over cars and food). He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his family.

Jim served in the U.S. Army before building a distinguished career in the high-performance automotive industry. An early career highlight came in 1966 when his “Assassin” dragster driven by Mike Bennett won the UDRA- Ohio State Championship’s Top Fuel Eliminator with an elapsed time of 7.98 seconds at 185.56 mph. Two years later Jim and two partners co-founded Diamond Racing Engines in Warren, later Diamond Racing Products of Clinton Township. The company built engines, machined pistons, and crafted other high-performance parts for winning Super Stock, Pro Stock, and NASCAR race teams. After Jim and his partners sold Diamond in 1999, he retired but stayed involved in the industry, with colleagues, friends, and acquaintances from around the country phoning to talk shop and to tap into, as one recent caller said, his “brilliant automotive engine mind.”

Jim was also a bowler for many years, winning several league championships and rolling one 299 and one 300 game. He also enjoyed fishing and baseball.

Jim was generous, had friendships that lasted decades, and loved to connect people. He became a member of Competition Specialists Auto Club in 2008 and served a stint as secretary. As a member of The Breakfast Club, Jim drove his 1938 Ford Deluxe to Ram’s Horn of Rochester Hills on Saturday mornings to meet up with other classic car enthusiasts. A firm believer in the power of laughter and camaraderie, Jim was instrumental in launching the Wednesday Dinner Derelicts, a group of friends and car buffs who gather biweekly to share stories and jokes over a meal at Your Mothers in downtown Mount Clemens.

Jim loved dogs and brought many into his family over the years, including Norwegian elkhound Kelly and Shelties Tasha, Kira, Kadie, and Nova.

Jim was preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of nearly 45 years. He is survived by his children Valerie Tower, Sue Cavallaro (Thomas A. Meagher), and Nicholas (Lisa) Cavallaro; grandchildren Sarah Cavallaro and Alex Cavallaro; and sisters Teresa Duveyoung and Caterina Krencicki.

His family is hosting a Celebration of Life lunch on Sunday, June 8 from noon to 3 p.m. Please use Jim’s email or contact a family member for additional details and to RSVP.