With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the life of Jerry Cavalieri, a loving husband, father, friend and educator who passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2025.
Born at home on February 4, 1946, in the close-knit Italian immigrant community of Iron Mountain, Jerry grew up in Utica, Michigan. Jerry’s life was deeply rooted in the Central Michigan community. It was at his parents’ cottage on Silver Lake that he met Helenan Langer in 1964, and they began a marriage of 57 years in 1968. The first of his family to attend college, he studied education at Central Michigan University as an undergraduate and returned to CMU for a Masters degree after serving in the US Navy. A dedicated educator, he spent the majority of his 32-year career at Farwell Elementary School, and taught prospective new teachers at Mid-Michigan Community College. Throughout his life, Jerry found joy in camping with his family, browsing antique stores for Disney figurines, traveling and living vicariously through the adventures of his grandchildren. His warmth and optimism were radiant, instantly touching those around him. He loved singing, watching Broadway musicals, savoring a good plate of spaghetti, and staying up late to watch boxing.
In death he is survived by his best friend and wife, Helenan, his daughter Lisa (Dan) Bergman, sons Matthew and Nathanial Cavalieri (Florence Chien), grandchildren Darrin and Emily Bergman, Sophia and Abe Cavalieri and Kasima Zi-Gin Chien-Cavalieri, his aunt Darline Fisher, his beloved chocolate lab, Bella, and a community of friends.
Visitation will be held at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 6 to 8 P.M. A Memorial Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Parish in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. until the time of Mass at 11 A.M. with Father Matthew Gembrowski officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to 3rd Coast Lab Rescue, P.O. Box 389, Clare, Michigan 48617. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com
