Robert J. Cawley

Robert “Buc” Joseph Cawley, 72, of Wexford, passed away on Saturday, October 9th, 2021. Buc grew up in Whitehall with his parents, Christopher and Loretta, and three siblings, Suzanne Cawley (George), his twin brother, Dick Cawley (Heath), and Patrick Cawley. He attended Saint Elizabeth’s high school and later attended college at Ohio University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. After graduation, on a blind date, Buc met the love of his life, Sue. That night, after standing at the door and wishing her a good night, he turned and promptly tripped down the stairs; she knew at once that he was “the one.” In 1976 they were married and had two children Erin (Dan) and Megan (Chris). Buc was an adoring dad with a watchful eye, and enjoyed coaching Megan’s softball team for eight years and served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Alexis Parish. In 1979 Buc joined the John G. Beck Agency as an insurance broker, which later became Willis, where he worked as the Vice President, specializing in business insurance for construction industry accounts until his retirement in 2013. Buc received many recognitions throughout his career and worked his way up to President for the Independent Insurance Agents of Pittsburgh and later of Pennsylvania. He was a member on local, state, and national boards, volunteered for the Independent Agents of Pennsylvania, became the national director and chairman, and never turned down an opportunity to improve the insurance industry or the lives of those who worked in it. Following his retirement, Buc and Sue spent much of their time in Cape May, NJ where Buc took a part-time job as a keeper at Cape May’s iconic lighthouse. He also gave tours of the World War II Tower there and enjoyed retelling stories of the War to charmed tourists. While Buc was a hard worker, one of his favorite sayings was, “Isn’t fun the greatest thing to have?” He embraced this creed throughout his life; he laughed easily, was willing to befriend anyone, was generous almost to a fault, wore his heart on his sleeve, took interest in everything, and was as good at listening to stories as he was at telling them—so many were drawn to him and his fundamental decency. He loved his family immensely and was a wonderful father to Erin and Megan, and a devoted Pop-pop to his five grandchildren, Andrew, Adam, Maddie, Thomas, and Patrick. Buc was an avid golfer, and in Pittsburgh, he could often be found in his garage listening to oldies and drinking a Rolling Rock, one of the many dogs who adored him throughout his life lying at his feet. He was a member of the local VFW in Cape May where he made dozens of new friends after retirement, and looked forward to playing for his team’s Tuesday night shuffleboard matches. Buc would often sit on the front porch along Grant Street, shouting out to all of his friends (and sometimes strangers) walking by. He was a kind, selfless, generous man who loved life. While this loss is profound, his friends and family will find comfort in his memory and continue his legacy of spreading joy, and keep close to their hearts the lyrics from his favorite song: “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Friends and family are welcome at a visitation for Robert, it will be held Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM and 6:00PM to 8:00 PM at the H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held noon on Friday, October 15th at St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brandtfuneralhome.com for the Cawley family.