Peter Cavari

Peter Cavari, fondly known to many as Pete (Gus), passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. Born on August 8, 1938, in Weehawken, New Jersey, Peter’s life was one marked by humility, dedication, and a deep love for family and community.

Peter’s journey in education and sports began early, with his formative years spent at Colby College, where he excelled as a tight end on the football team from 1957 to 1959. During his collegiate career, his team triumphed over the University of Maine not once, but twice, showcasing his commitment and teamwork. Later, after relocating to Florida, Peter earned a master’s degree in education from Florida Atlantic University, laying the foundation for a lifetime of service in schools.

His professional career was distinguished and multifaceted. He worked as a Spanish teacher as well as coached the offensive backs on the football team at Nova High School from 1964-1970. In 1965, his team played in the state semifinals. Dad taught Spanish as well as coached the baseball team at Stranahan High School from 1971-1979. During this time, he took his team to Districts in 1971, 1975, 1976, and 1978. The team went to Regionals in 1975, 1976, and 1978 and he was named Coach of the year in 1978. Thereafter, he served as an administrator at Stranahan High School from 1981 until 1990, before concluding his administrative career at South Plantation from 1990 to 1995. Throughout these years, Peter’s fairness, discipline tempered with love, and unwavering work ethic made him not only a role model for his three children but also countless students, athletes, and neighborhood kids.

He was humble, honest, had a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor. He was a mentor to many students/athletes on and off the field. He walked through the halls with a commanding presence but did it with loving authority. People said dad genuinely cared about everyone that encountered him. Dad led with compassion and instilled that winners never quit and quitters never win. He was a true blessing to many...

Peter’s proudest accomplishment was, without question, the love and guidance he gave to his children—Beth Andres, Bridget Madero, and Michael Cavari—who stand today as living legacies of his care and influence. His beloved wife, Bernadette Cavari, along with grandchildren Anthony Andres, Samantha Andres, TJ Vriesenga, Julia Madero, Emily Cavari, and Michaella Cavari, remain the heart of his family, carrying forward his spirit.

Beyond his professional and family life, Peter embraced life’s joys eagerly. He found delight in attending Florida Panther hockey games, never missing the chance to watch them, even when they played away. He remained active in the community through umpiring high school softball games and participating in a softball league for those aged 55 and over. Many fond memories were made during family trips inspired by his wife’s Tupperware winnings, taking them to places like Hawaii, Jamaica, Acapulco, New Orleans, and South Carolina. The simple pleasures of trips to Disney World, engaging in playful license plate tag and color car games, indulging in beach days building sandcastles, and those cherished neck rubs he requested behind the wheel are treasures held dearly by those who loved him. A particularly humorous family story recalls the day Peter, reluctant to heed warnings, walked into the sliding glass door at their Plantation home—an incident that brought laughter even if it stung a little at the moment, reflecting his warmth and ability to embrace life’s small ironies with good humor.

On the day Peter passed, surrounded by family and friends, prayers and scripture filled the room as they honored a life well lived. When the room quieted, those closest reassured him that he had fought the good fight, run the good race, and could now rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus. It was in this tender stillness of evening that Peter left us, leaving behind a legacy of love, integrity, and dedication.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Margaret Cavari.

His visitation will be held on May 17, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, 7001 NW 4th St, Plantation, FL 33317. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on May 18, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Saint David Catholic Church, 3900 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328.

Peter Cavari’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, humility, and perseverance. He leaves behind an indelible imprint on every life he touched, and he will be deeply missed, remembered with warmth and gratitude by all who knew him.