William James Cayavec Jr.'s Obituary
William “Bill” James Cayavec Jr., age 93, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, with his loved ones by his side. Born June 11, 1932, in Buffalo Valley, Pennsylvania to William James and Catherine Marie Cayavec, Bill was one of five siblings—Paul, Tom, MaryJane, and Rose.
He is survived by his children, Sharon Flora, Robert (Lori), and Linda (Ralph) Cipollo; six grandchildren, AnnMarie (Justin Handville) Flora, Jaclyn Covert, Rachel Flora, Jarrett (Alisha) Cayavec, David (Rebekka) Khajeh-Noori, and Adam (Alexis Braswell) Flora; and five great grandchildren, Brooklyn Covert, Carter Cayavec, Alivia Cayavec, Vivian Cayavec, and Nickolai Wolgamott. He is predeceased by his wife, Marcella; his daughters, Karen and Catherine; and all his siblings.
Above all, Bill was a devout Catholic. He found great solace in the church. His rosary beads were never far from reach, and his belief in God’s grace and the Lord Jesus Christ sustained him through life’s many highs and lows.
Out of Bill’s faith came unshakable determination. He was Senior Class President at Worthington High School and, at 18, began playing minor league baseball, signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and had dreams of making it to the majors. A back injury ended his career on the field, but not his passion for the game—or his resolve. He earned a degree in mathematics and then moved to Florida in 1961 where he worked for many years at Honeywell. Eventually, he became a small business owner, running a glass company with the same work ethic and pride he brought to every aspect of his life.
Bill was an old-school provider who believed actions spoke louder than words. He worked tirelessly to ensure his family had everything they needed and gave generously without expecting anything in return. He dreamed of winning the lottery, but not for himself—it was so he could give it all away to his children and grandchildren. He loved nothing more than handing out gifts, slipping you a little extra money “just because,” and seeing his family happy.
Sports were a lifelong joy. Bill never lost his passion for baseball—rooting for the Tampa Bay Rays—and rarely missed a televised football or basketball game. He coached Little League for many years, passing along his knowledge and love of the game to future generations. He was also an avid golfer.
He was the driver and navigator on many family summer road trips, financing the whole adventure and quietly making sure everything went off without a hitch.
Bill’s legacy is one of strength and quiet generosity. His was a life of service—to his family, his community, and the games that brought him joy.
A funeral mass will take place at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Clearwater on Thursday July 24, 2024 at 10:00 am. Interment is to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 12:00 pm.
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