Ilario Lawrence Cavallaro

Larry was born on January 9, 1932, in Jacksonville, Florida, to George and Fortunata Cavallaro. Baptized as a child at Immaculate Conception Church, he remained deeply connected to his faith throughout his life. He was also a devoted member of Assumption Catholic Church.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Rose Marie Love; his daughters, Caroline Holmes (Gary) and Suzanne Shaw (Tom); his cherished grandchildren, Scott Holmes (Sara), Michael Holmes (Sydney), Davis Shaw, and Gabriele Shaw; his great-grandchildren, Cameron Holmes and Chandler Holmes, and joyfully anticipated the arrival of another great-grandchild in May. Larry is also survived by his brother, Angelo Cavallaro, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Rocco Morabito, and sisters, Maryann Turley and Jennie Phillips.

Larry graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He attended Florida State University, where he earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. His professional career was largely dedicated to the Xerox Corporation, where he worked until his retirement.

He was an active member of the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also held memberships at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club, and the Jacksonville Gun Club.

A man deeply devoted to his family and heritage, he found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether sitting by the ocean at Ponte Vedra Beach wearing his signature Italian driving hat, with a cigar in one hand, and a drink in the other, or enjoying the peaceful view of the duck pond in the backyard of his San Marco home where he resided for 56 years. He often expressed his love for Jacksonville, a city he considered the best place to live, surrounded by family and lifelong friends.

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 Larry and his loved ones in his final years.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, located at 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida. A Catholic funeral mass will follow on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, located at 121 East Duval Street, Jacksonville, Florida. A graveside service will take place afterward at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s name to Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905-0001.