Dr. Joseph N. Cavalier 1930-2020
HOWLAND — Joseph N. Cavalier, D.O., 90, formerly of Warren, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at his home in Howland, with his family by his side. Joseph was born March 18, 1930, in Campbell, to Pasquale “Patsy” and Fannie Carano Cavalier and was the oldest of five children.
Joseph was a 1947 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, afterwards attending Youngstown College and then moving on to study at the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery. He married the love of his life, beautiful Barbara Jean Kerchofer, Aug. 7, 1954. He completed his internship at Green Cross Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls before settling down in Warren in 1958.
Joseph was a founding member of Warren General Hospital and was on the staff of Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital, Community Hospital and Community Skilled Health Care and Nursing Centre. Joseph was in general practice in Warren for 44 years, from 1957 through his retirement in 2001. After retirement, he continued to serve as medical director at Community Skilled Health Care Centre. He was also an active member of the 12th District Academy of Osteopathic Medicine, the Ohio Osteopathic Association and the American Osteopathic Association.
“Doc,” as he was known to all family and friends, had a smile that was contagious and always had a great story to tell. It’s unlikely that Doc ever met someone that he didn’t find a connection with; he could ask a complete stranger where they were from, and before long, he would be relating to them how he knew that person’s grandfather or uncle twice-removed, or the house and street they grew up on and some of their neighbors’ names. Joe was a kind and generous soul; he truly had a heart of gold.
A proud member of the Carovillese Mutual Aid Society of Campbell, Doc enjoyed the monthly meetings in Campbell and the many annual get-togethers with the members of the Carovillese Club in Akron. Many a good meal, competitive morra, bocce games, laughter and reminiscing were shared among family and club members throughout the years.
Doc enjoyed bowling, was an avid golfer well into his upper eighties (his age, not his golf score), and loved to watch the Cleveland Browns, the Tribe and Cavaliers. He loved jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and was always up for a game of Scrabble – he was infamous for impatiently tapping his tiles while waiting for his opponents to take their turns. Even with all these hobbies, family gatherings were by far his favorite pastime. He was a loving husband to Barbara (whom he called “My Girl”), beloved father of five children and a proud grandfather.
Joseph is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara Cavalier; children, Patrick (Donna) Cavalier of Warren, Carol (Brian) Gaffey of Cortland, Laura Cavalier of Naples, Fla., Ronald (Julie) Cavalier of Warren and Ann Marie (Liam McEvoy) Cavalier of Cortland; grandchildren, Joseph Cavalier, Nicholas (Stephanie) Cavalier, Dana (Justin) Barker, Thomas (Alex) Russell, David (Courtney) Russell III, David (Lisa Jo) Pagano, Casie Ann Ciancone, Vincent (Margaret) Cavalier, Christian (Lauren) Cavalier, Brendan McEvoy, Jillian McEvoy and Mitchell McEvoy; and great-grandchildren, Hudson Barker and Addie Johnston. He is also survived by sisters who think the world of him, Geraldine “Gerry” Bednarik of Campbell, JoAnne Bukofchan of Vienna, Diana Craig of Boardman, Helen Kerchofer of New Middletown and Ann Pallay of Boardman; in addition to numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.
Many thanks go out to the numerous Howland EMS staff, Shepherd of the Valley personnel and Patriot Homecare who helped out Doc Joe over the past several months. The family owes an overwhelming debt of gratitude to the caring field staff of SouthernCare Hospice Services for the final few days of in-home care. We are grateful to have had such wonderful people going above and beyond in their service.
Burial will be in All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 or Blessed Sacrament Church (where he was a parishioner), 3020 Reeves Rd. NE, Warren, OH 44483.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiand sonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guestbook and send condolences to Joseph’s family.
(special notice)