Robert F Cavalear

Robert F. Cavalear, 85, of Perrysburg and Boca Raton, FL, died Saturday, December 4, 2010 at his residence in Florida. Born April 27, 1925, in Jackson, MI, Bob served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II. Upon returning, he graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in light construction in 1949. Beginning his career in the lumber business, Bob rose to the position of vice president of Hixon-Peterson Lumber Company before striking out on his own in 1953 by establishing The Cavalear Companies. The Cavalear Companies began as a home builder. Bob then explored synergistic avenues in business, establishing Cavalear Development in 1963, Cavalear Realty in 1971, and Cavalear Insurance in 1983. Cavalear became a major respected operation, constructing over 1000 residences and forming well known developments including Saxon Square, Country Square, The Meadows, Willowbend, Stone Oak, The Quarry, Boca Raton Yacht and Tennis Club, The Hamlet, Beacon Place and many others. The Cavalear Corporation grew to employ over 325 people by the time Mr. Cavalear sold it in 1995. Bob had a reputation for quality work and the tough negotiation which is necessary to earn a profit. He lived his life with honesty, openness and integrity, loved his wife and family above all earthly things and enjoyed many good long-time friendships. He believed it is the duty of every man to leave this world better than he found it. It was also important to him to maintain a positive attitude even in difficult circumstances. Mr. Cavalear was very active in Northwest Ohio as well as in Boca Raton. His memberships included Belmont Country Club, The Toledo Club, Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, Pine Valley Golf Club, The Pete Dye Club, and Adias Golf Club. He was a member of numerous civic, educational, social and bank boards. In his leisure time he enjoyed golf, tennis, flying and antique cars. Preceded in death his mother, Edith Cavalear; father, Walter Cavalear and son, Gregory Cavalear, Bob is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Cavalear; children, Linda Rava Alan, Robert Cavalear Jr. Dannielle, James DeVilbiss Jr. and Shannon Gallup Dr. William; grandchildren, David Wyper, Maggie Wyper, James DeVilbiss III, Will Gallup, Kacey Gallup, and Razlynn Cavalear; and sister, Edith Robertson. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 8 at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., from 12 noon-2 PM, service immediately following at 2 PM. Interment will be private in Toledo Memorial Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Rossford United Methodist Church, Rossford, Ohio; First Presbyterian Church of Boca Raton, Florida; or The Gregory Cavalear Culver Academies Scholarship Fund.