Rose Marie Love Cavallaro

Rose Marie Love Cavallaro, 94, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on February 4, 2025. Rose was born on March 29, 1930 in Sevierville, Tennessee to Horace Victor Love and Lela McMahan Love.

Rose is survived by her daughters, Caroline Holmes (Gary) and Suzanne Shaw (Tom); her cherished grandchildren, Scott Holmes (Sara), Michael Holmes (Sydney), Davis Shaw and Gabriele Shaw; her great-grandchildren, Cameron Holmes and Chandler Holmes and joyfully anticipated the arrival of another great-grandchild, Layla Rose Holmes. Rose is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Ilario Lawrence Cavallaro, to whom she was married for 65 years; her brother, H.V. (Danny) Love, and sisters, Carolyn Love Riedel, Eleanor Love McMullen, and Lela Jane Love Reagan.

At a young age, Rose worked in Gatlinburg, Tennessee alongside her sister, Jane, before eventually joining another sister, Carolyn, in Tallahassee, Florida where she met her future husband, Larry. After marrying in 1959, they moved to Jacksonville, Florida where they started a family, created a loving home, and formed cherished friendships that lasted a lifetime. For 56 years, they enjoyed the peaceful view of the duck pond nestled in the backyard of their San Marco home.

Rose held memberships at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, and she was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution where she was a loyal contributor.

A beautiful woman, deeply devoted to her family, she radiated a gentle kindness and a sweet spirit that brought joy to anyone she met, whether it was a lifelong friend or someone she had met for the first time. She led a life full of love and grace and will remain in the hearts of everyone she knew.

The Cavallaro family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Tami, Christie, Gail, Judy, Dawn, and Sandra for their exceptional care, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Their support brought comfort to Rose and her loved ones in her final years. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Misty and Kaitlyn, her two wonderful hospice nurses of Hospice of Florida.

A prayer service will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel located at 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida. A graveside service will take place afterward at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rose’s name to Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) at 1776 D Street, NW, Washington DC 20006-5303. Checks can be made payable to “Treasurer General, NSDAR”.