In Loving Memory of Daniel J. Cavoli
Mr. Daniel J. Cavoli, beloved son of the late Hugh and Janice Cavoli (nee Allwine), brother of Clare Lopez, Mary, John (Kirk Helmstaedter), Terri, and the late Robert Cavoli, cherished nephew of Sr. Francis Allwine, O.S.U., and uncle of Jennifer (Marco) Robinson, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024. He was 66 years old.
Daniel was a 1976 graduate of Saint Ignatius High School and was valedictorian of his graduating class at the College of the Holy Cross in 1980, where he majored in Classical Languages. He was a devoted Latin teacher who worked in Catholic education for over 40 years, most recently at St. Edward High School where he served as a faculty member since 1989. In 2004, he was named the Ohio Latin Teacher of the Year and in 2005 St. Edward High School was honored as the top Latin program in Ohio, in large part due to his excellence and enthusiasm. In 2015, Daniel was honored with the prestigious Kraft Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching.
Daniel’s intelligence was matched only by his desire to support the spiritual and academic development of his thousands of students and to walk side by side with his colleagues. His love of language was the way he authentically connected to so many people. Legend has it that he spoke 28 languages, and he'd often jump between them with ease when meeting someone from a culture different than his own, more often than not at one of the many ethnic restaurants in the area where the staff seemed to always know him by name. When engaged in a conversation with Daniel, he made sure that you knew you were the most important person in the world.
Daniel was an exceptional artist and musician. He earned an MFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art and his commitment to perfection and attention to detail fueled his creation of beautiful artwork. He loved art history and would happily discuss art in any style. Classical music poured from his classroom and his car radio was always set to WCLV. Daniel was a member of the St. Christopher Church choir and a regular cantor at weekend masses.
One of Daniel’s greatest impacts was through the Wilderness Retreat Program which he founded in 1987 while teaching Latin at St. Ignatius High School. Up to eight times a year, Daniel led groups of students on multi-day backpacking trips to bond with each other and experience God in His “first and finest Cathedral” -- the wilderness. Daniel's incredible memory allowed him to readily recall the name of every retreatant (or WilderVet as he called them), as well as the exact retreat they attended and its location. Beautiful photographs of these trips adorned his classroom. Through the Wilderness Retreat and his example of selfless generosity Daniel had a hand in the faith formation of thousands of individuals, and the program continues to impact students at both St. Ignatius and St. Edward today.
During his illness, Daniel’s impact was apparent in the overwhelming outpouring of support from family, friends, and generations of former students and retreatants. Even in the later days when sickness made it hard for Daniel to speak beyond a whisper, he conveyed his gratitude at a life well lived with the simple words: “I’ve been so blessed.” Indeed, we have all been so blessed to have had Daniel in our lives.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, May 4 at 11:00 am at St. Edward High School, 13500 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Private Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial gifts to the Daniel J. Cavoli Endowed Memorial Fund, a fund St. Edward High School has created in his honor that will support the programs Daniel held dear, ensuring his legacy continues to enrich the lives of future generations. Click here if you'd like to make a gift in his memory.
Alternatively, memorial gifts can be made to St. Edward H.S., St. Ignatius H.S., Monastery of the Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Dr.,Cleveland, OH 44111.
Friends may call at St. Edward High School, 13500 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, Friday, May 3, 4-7 pm.
