STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The marquee lights dimmed over Staten Island’s theater community when Cara Liander Gordon, a 41-year-old playwright and director with a vibrant personality and a remarkable zest for life, died unexpectedly on Nov. 4.
At her funeral in St. Charles R.C. Church in Oakwood on Wednesday, her husband, John, promised mourners in a strong and steady voice that “her light will never be diminished.”
“Her enthusiasm brightened every room she entered,” he eulogized. “Her greatest joy was to make others thrive. She was a beam of sunshine, a pure light that cast no shadow.”
Cara and John Gordon with niece, Viola Liander, at a figure-skating event.Third-Party-Submitted
His words comforted the wide circle of people Cara touched during her abbreviated life — the actors she collaborated with on stage and behind the scenes at Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre, the young thespians she inspired in the St. Teresa’s Parish Players, the colleagues she worked with on creative projects and fund-raisers.
Her career included roles as film producer, location scout, and teammate alongside her husband at Flagship Brewing Co. in Tompkinsville, where he was a founding partner.
Through it all, even chance encounters became opportunities for lasting relationships. Cara had to meet you only once to call you “friend.”
The Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre presented “Measure For Measure” at Fort Tompkins on the grounds of Fort Wadsworth. Frank Williams, left, and Cara Liander were the director and assistant director of the production. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola) Staten Island Advance/ Victoria On stage at a young age
The youngest of three children born to Sharon and Robert Liander, Cara grew up in Dongan Hills and attended Notre Dame Academy from kindergarten through high school.
She studied piano and started acting at 11 with Kids on Stage, an afterschool Parks Department program at the former Cromwell Recreation Center where she landed roles in “Alice in Wonderland,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Mikado.” With Kids on Stage, she entertained at a holiday party for then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani at Gracie Mansion.
The Liander family poses for a Disney photo. Third-Party-Submitted
Her childhood best friend, Shannyn Fredericks Johnston, lived just a few houses away from the Lianders. After school, they played video games and set up a make-believe grocery store in Cara’s basement. They swam in Cara’s backyard pool and referred to each other as “sister” with birthdays just 11 days apart.
Cara’s passion for acting continued in high school with “Grease” and “Fiorello” at Monsignor Farrell and “Grease” and “Damn Yankees” at St. Peter’s, and she completed a pre-college program at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama in Pittsburgh.
Cara Liander receiving the 2000 President’s Environmental Youth Award from New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Bill Muszynski, acting regional administrator of the EPA, for her participation in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary Oyster Study. Third-Party-Submitted
She earned a bachelor of arts degree in acting from Boston University (BU) in 2006 and an MBA in 2017 from Wagner College, where she was inducted into the business honor society. She also studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and was a member of SAG-AFTRA, the professional actors union.
Always outgoing and sometimes boisterous, Cara was “written up” as a BU student because she was too loud, recalled her brother, Colin, also a professional actor.
“I’m just a loud person,” was her defense, he added with a smile.
Cara and her mom, Sharon.Staff-ShotFamily first
Cara cherished her relationships with her parents and two brothers. The family enjoyed vacations to the Caribbean and Cancun, and her love of travel continued into adulthood with trips to Germany, France, Egypt, China and — for her honeymoon in 2014 — Thailand.
She also loved to write. As a member of the Advance Teenage Press Corps during her high school years, Cara penned a Mother’s Day tribute published in May 2001:
Cara and mom Sharon in 2006. (Staten islandAdvance / Joshua Carp)
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
“My mother always teaches me what I need to know about just being who I am. She has taught me to be comfortable with myself and with other people. Life is never dull when you’re around such a colorful, vibrant mother who is the biggest James Taylor fan I know. She can even recognize a passage from a Shakespearean play without knowing who said it. Now that, my friends, takes talent.
“I take her for granted and I’m forever in her debt. There is no one in the world to replace my mother. Because of that, I love her even more.”
A year later, Cara wrote about her father, a disabled Army veteran:
Cara Liander Gordon with her father, Robert Gordon, a retired Army veteran who died in 2016.Third-Party-Submitted
“Everyone who meets him falls in love with his charm, humor and intelligence. He has no enemies. Except maybe someone who parks in a handicap spot when they don’t have a handicap sticker. He uses a cane to walk. Sometimes when he walks for a long time, he falls down. It’s heartbreaking. Everyone rushes over to help him up, but he rejects every little bit of help and says, ‘I’ve got it.’ He picks himself right back up and is on his way.
“There are heroes who discover cures for diseases, do something brave in a war, or even star in a movie. My hero is simply my father.”
Robert C. Liander was 67 when he passed away in 2016.
Cara Liander Gordon and John Gordon. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com/Carol Ann Benanti) Staten Island AdvanceBusy career
A skilled multitasker, Cara was always ready to take on a new project that involved filmmaking or theater. As a location scout, she promoted Pouch Camp, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and other prime areas in her hometown borough.
“The grass did not grow under Cara’s feet,” said her brother, Colin, acknowledging her penchant for filling the calendar with new adventures.
Notre Dame Academy’s cross country roster included, from left, Caitlin Tormey, Cara Liander and Danielle Ruggiero in the fall of 1999. (Staten Island Advance)
In 2016, she collaborated with her sister-in-law, Maria Rusolo, on a docu-series titled, “I Am Number,” about the 1969 selective service draft lottery for the Vietnam War. Inspired by her father, draft number 181, the oral histories featured many Staten Island veterans.
“We want to show that the military gave everyone a number, and dehumanized everyone to a simple number,” Cara explained in an interview with the Advance/SILive.com. “We’re trying to give a story to each number, and humanize that number.”
She worked with actress and producer Jennifer Esposito as location coordinator for “Fresh Kills,” set in 1980s Staten Island. Released in May 2024, the film follows the story of the loyal women of an organized crime family that dominated New York City. Cara appears on screen as a church singer.
At the roast of Jennifer Sammartino Mallen, sitting are fellow roasters who include, Jenny Kelly, left, and Cara Liander Gordon. (Courtesy/SIST)Staten Island Advance
She emceed a series of fund-raising roasts as board chair of Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre, combining her humor, vocal skills and stage presence for a good cause.
“She helped us come together to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously,” said Jenny Kelly, fellow board member.
She was also instrumental in securing a vacant storefront at Empire Outlets in St. George and transforming it into the Staten Island Playhouse, shared by Shakespearean Theatre and Spotlight Theatre.
Cara, second from right, joins, from left, Lillian Lagazzo, Chris Campbell, Vincent Innocente, Doreen Cugno, and Frank Williams. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti) Staten Island Advance
With co-host James McKeon, Cara declared an early spring on Groundhog Day last February at the Staten Island Zoo.
“When we were asked to do the ceremony, I felt as though it was the greatest Staten Island honor that anyone can ever be asked of,” Cara told an Advance/SILive.com reporter that day. “So I was very, very happy to do it.”
Her many acting credits included off-Broadway productions of “The Lonely Soldier” and “Betty & the Belrays.”
As an Advance intern, Cara — who had diabetes — wrote a series on how to cook for a diabetic.staten island advanceAn open book
Cara, who lived with her husband in St. George, devoted time to staying connected on social media. She went “liandering” on Instagram to share triumphs, milestones, hopes and dreams.
“Eleven down, and a lifetime to go!” she posted on Sept. 19 with a photo from her 2014 wedding and a message for her husband. “Whatever life brings, love can handle it. Can’t imagine this wild and crazy journey we’ve been on without you by my side.”
On Sept. 11, she accompanied a photo of the Tribute in Light with a wise observation: “We don’t move on, we move forward.”
Colin Liander helps his sister, Cara, slide the cooked and sliced tomatoes into a bowl, while their mother, Sharon Liander, whips up the Dijon sauce for the family’s favorite chicken dish.staten island advance
She acknowledged another challenging anniversary on Aug. 28. “Today is 24 years since I’ve been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It’s also 24 years since Type 1 Diabetes never looked sooooo good.”
She often declared her devotion to her childhood friend. “Shannyn is the type of best friend that if I ever lost her, I would simply scream, MARCO, and somewhere in the distance I’d hear her scream, POLO, so I could find her. When I count my blessings, I always count Shannyn twice.”
And she was a passionate cheerleader for her niece, Viola, a competitive figure skater, congratulating her on every new medal.
Cara when she was elected to the Advance TeenAge Press Corps.SI AdvanceA standing ovation
Cara’s friends were accustomed to seeing her belt out her favorite tunes in the car. Shannyn Johnston appreciates videos of those moments, and tears up when she re-reads a text received two days before Cara’s death.
“I miss you — let’s get together,” Shannyn wrote. “Yes — let’s make it happen,” was Cara’s quick reply.
Cara with her niece, Viola Liander.Third-Party-Submitted
Shannyn wasn’t surprised to see the outpouring of grief at Casey Funeral Home, where she estimates 500 mourners paid their respects during three overflow visitations.
Among them were the dog-walkers Cara befriended during regular jaunts along Royal Oak Road in Castleton Corners with Charlie, her Golden Doodle.
Bishop John O’Hara, who called Cara a friend, officiated at the funeral.
Cara when she was an Advance summer intern.STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
“Cara Liander Gordon is in a good place — and that place is a little noisier,” he quipped. “She was a gift from God, and I’m going to miss her.”
As the Mass concluded, the organ filled the church with strains of “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, Cara’s favorite performer. Mourners rose to their feet to offer one final standing ovation for a steady friend who lived each day as if it were her last.
In addition to her husband, John, and brother, Robert (Maria Rusolo), Cara is survived by a brother, Colin (Sandy Trullinger); a niece, Viola; her mother, Sharon; her in-laws, Anne and Jack Gordon, and her brothers-in-law, Daniel and Christian Gordon. Her father, Robert, died in 2016.
Condolences
From the left, Leslie Kasagrande, Doreen Cugno, Luanne Sorrentino, Jennifer Sammartino Mallen, Rita Pirrone and Cara Liander Gordon at an Advance Women of Achievement luncheon. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com)Staten Island Advance
Luanne Sorrentino, co-founder of the St. George Theatre: “No one could make Shakespeare sparkle quite like Cara did. She filled every room with laughter, wit and heart. She brought wisdom and mischief in equal measure … and always came through with a well-timed joke. Shakespeare would have adored her spirit. I will miss her dearly.”
Doreen Cugno, co-founder of the St. George Theatre: “Cara has been a pillar of our community for years, and I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we are heartbroken by her loss. She made a lasting impact through her work with the Shakespearean Theatre Company, the St. George Theatre, and so many other non-profits. Her enthusiasm, energy, radiant smile and generous spirit inspired everyone around her.”
Janice Monger, president & CEO of the Staten Island Museum: “Cara’s boundless energy and generous spirit benefited so many individuals and organizations in our community. For the Staten Island Museum, Cara helped for years with securing items for our gala’s auction, making arrangements for film shoots, and providing mutual support creatively with Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre. The outpouring of love and support upon her untimely passing demonstrates how much her dynamism reached so many people across the Island in making Staten Island a better place.”
Alfred Cerullo III, president and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership: “Cara was a force of energy and light who inspired support for our Island’s arts and cultural community — and was an amazing leader in our local theatre world and beyond. Her sense of humor and delivery were spot on. But this loss goes beyond all of that. No question she was too young to leave this world and my thoughts and prayers to all her loved ones.”
Jennifer Sammartino Mallen, left, and Cara. (Courtesy/SIST)Staten Island Advance
Jennifer Sammartino-Mallen, friend and colleague: “I had the honor and privilege of knowing and adoring Cara since she was a teenager. She was a teen reporter under my direction at the Advance and even then, I could see how special she was. She was lit from within and a force of nature. She was brave, honest, kind and one of the funniest people I know. I had many opportunities over the years to work with her — via Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre, on the board at Community Media of Staten Island and so many other projects. This loss leaves a hole in my heart that I can’t process right now. My deepest condolences are with her family; the entire community mourns with you.”
Sophia Condon, Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre actor and friend: “Cara was one of the first people I met when I first started back into theater, and she made me feel so at home. Her dedication to her craft made me a better actor, a better person. She handled every situation with grace and ease. I will always remember her compassion. When I lost my father, she checked in on me consistently. On the first Father’s Day after my father’s passing, she hugged me so tight and just let me cry on her shoulder. She was one of a kind. Her light will never leave the hearts of those she encountered.”
Cara Liander when she was a teen.Staten Island Advance
Jessica Vodoor, president and CEO of Snug Harbor Cultural Center: “Cara’s work and commitment was a shining light in the arts community, and her passion for ensuring that Staten Island audiences had access to quality theater programming was inspiring to me from the instant I met her. For many years, Cara was active in Snug Harbor’s greater community of artists in residence; she regularly participated in community meetings and town halls and contributed her perspectives on how we should be working to improve conditions for Staten Island artists. She supported Snug Harbor to bring in film and television business, and worked with us as an external consultant. Cara was continually lauded by our campus organizations for her warm and professional demeanor. She was truly a pillar of Staten Island’s artistic community, and we mourn her loss deeply.”
Justine (J.) Giachetti, associate artistic director of IlluminArt Productions (via Instagram): “My wonderful, beautiful friend — the shockwaves of your absence will be felt for a long time. You were everyone’s biggest cheerleader, never letting anyone give up or doubt themselves. You were the ultimate problem solver, full of class and Staten Island charm — caring, considerate, and always the life of every room. You’re the reason I started listening to more Meatloaf. You were such a great producer and an even better friend. It still doesn’t feel real — like you’ll somehow pop up tomorrow walking your dog or scouting at Snug. You’ll be so deeply and profoundly missed.”
Dr. Gracelyn Santos, dentist and Advance/SILive.com columnist: “Cara’s light shone brightly and widely throughout Staten Island’s theatre community. Her intelligence, sense of humor and kindness were immense — whether chatting with her at social gatherings, where I always loved hearing about her international travels, or seeing her at the many fundraisers she graciously supported, including the St. George Theatre Red Carpet Gala. Her smile lit up any room she entered. As chairman of Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre, Cara’s leadership, wit and creativity shaped some of the community’s most unforgettable cultural events — among them, the hilarious ‘roasts,’ which left people in tears of laughter, all for a good cause. Cara left us far too soon; she will be profoundly missed.”
Cara S. Liander Gordon and Frank Williams stand behind a statue of William Shakespeare. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti) Staten Island Advance
Frank Williams, producing artistic director of Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre: “Cara and I were a team, an unbreakable partnership with an unshakable belief in the importance of the borough’s theatre community and a mission to grow this classical, non-profit theatre company to its fullest potential. Cara’s sincere belief in what we were doing, her shining charisma, her ability to turn a stranger into a friend within minutes, gave SIST an aura of respectability that we will always be indebted to her for creating. She was a treasured teacher of the craft and beyond. Her constant encouragement, her reassurance, her knowledge and sharing of techniques has lifted countless actors to higher levels in the rehearsal room and in performance.”
Lillian Lagazzo, friend: “Cara was such a shining star in our lives, lighting up the room with her presence and her smile. Her enthusiasm was infectious no matter what project was at hand. She always had something in the works. Cara was delighted to oversee her annual Shakey Award Roast, of which I was a recipient. She had an extraordinary sense of humor, and she couldn’t resist laughing at her own roast puns and jokes, which then had everyone laughing in unison with her. There will be a void in our entire community, especially our theatre community. On a dark-sky night, look up. When you see a bright, twinkling star, be reminded of our guiding light, Cara. She is saying ‘I’m still here.’”
At Vincent Innocente’s oast are, from the left, Lillian Lagazzo, Vincent Innocente, Cara S. Liander Gordon, rear, and Chris Campbell. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti) Staten Island Advance
Vincent Innocente, friend: “They say God doesn’t make mistakes, but I believe God got this one wrong. Cara Liander was a dear friend for many years, and a constant source of laughter and inspiration. She was a bright light in this community, dedicated to the arts and so many local causes. I had the privilege to be not only her friend but a fellow board member of Community Media of Staten Island, and worked closely with her on the annual Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre roasts. She taught us how to laugh at ourselves and not take life so seriously. I will miss our phone calls, the random videos she would send to me singing into the camera, and her hugs. The Staten Island community is better because Cara was such a huge part of it.”
Debra L. Siegel, playwright and friend: “I knew Cara since I was 16. We worked together on the teen section of the Advance and bonded immediately over our mutual love of theater. I was shocked when Cara randomly reached out to me a few years ago via Facebook Messenger to ask if I might be interested in working with the fledgling Women’s Playwright Collective. Cara brought me into a circle I didn’t know existed and reintroduced me to old friends and collaborators I hadn’t seen in decades. The Staten Island arts community owes her so much, as do I.”
At “An Evening Under the Stars” to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, are Amanda Straniere, left, and Cara Liander Gordon. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti) Staten Island Advance
Amanda Straniere, friend: “Cara was one of those people you would run into on the street, or Snug Harbor, or Beans and Leaves, and your day was instantly brighter. She was community personified, showing up when needed, doing for others, and giving of her time and talents. Her connections were vast and deep and touched so many people in so many ways. I am thankful for her friendship and will miss her laugh, her check-ins, her absolute zeal for life. She radiated joy, even in hardship, and was one of the strongest, kindest people I know. Cara represented the best of Staten Island.”
Cara S. Liander as internadvance
Toni-Ann Fischetti, Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre treasurer and friend: “Cara made me feel seen and included, giving me a seat at the table even when my own self-doubt told me I didn’t belong. She poured so much of herself into this community, into the Island she loved, called home, and championed at every turn. Staten Island’s theater scene shines brighter because of her. I can almost hear her now, telling us to dry our tears and get back to work, because there’s still so much good to be done. And the best way to honor her is to keep building, creating, and loving this community the way she did — wholeheartedly.”
Dana Morgan, partner with Going Up Productions LLC: “Cara was co-founder of Going Up, a film production company that provided location liaison services for TV and film. She was most proud of the work she did as a location manager for Jennifer Esposito’s movie, ‘Fresh Kills.’ Cara took tremendous pride in her work, helping productions run smoothly, finding creative solutions, and making sure everyone felt supported from start to finish. She loved this industry, and she loved the people in it. Her warmth, dedication and kindness touched every project she was part of. We will miss her deeply, but her spirit and the care she poured into her work will remain part of every production that passes through our doors.”
At Wayne Miller’s roast are Cara Liander, Wayne and his wife, Donna D’Ermilio. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
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