John B. Lacava Jr.

LACAVA, JOHN B. JR. - age 80, of Powell, died December 28. We're now faced with the nearly impossible task of saying goodbye to our beloved father and husband. After a life filled with love and laughter, John died surrounded by his family following a brief illness. He'll be most missed by his wife Ann; his son John III; and his three "favorite daughters," Cindy Corwin, Gia Hinton and Gina Lacava, who benefited all their lives from his firm but loving guidance. As a longtime Knoxville educator, he'll be equally missed by his school family, comprised of fellow educators and the many kids he thought of as his own. Besides serving in a job he loved as a teacher and middle-school guidance counselor for more than 50 years, John coached junior high and high school football for 39 years. His passion for teaching and helping children extended beyond school grounds; he also fervently believed in and supported YOKE Youth Ministries. Following a traumatic brain injury he sustained while on the job in 2008 (at the age of 77), John was assisted by several remarkable caregivers to whom we owe immeasurable gratitude; first and foremost, his nephew, Marty Loftis, whose patience and steadfast devotion helped John retain his quality of life. Ellen, Connie and Michelle were instrumental in keeping him comfortable, content and well fed. His therapists, Pam, Carolyn and Allison dedicated themselves to restoring his speech and motor skills, and Tamela, his home health nurse, was available around the clock to monitor his well-being and dispense valuable medical advice. And he enjoyed and appreciated the many home-cooked meals Karen provided. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha Lacava of Hartford, Connecticut. He's survived by his large extended family that includes his fourth favorite daughter, Nancy Loftis; his children's spouses: Carol Lacava, Brian Corwin, Steve Hinton and Jim Carter; his grandchildren: Sean Demarest, Crystal Chitwood (Matt), Derek Eaton (Angel), Alex and Carter Lacava, Joe, Chris and Sam Carter; and his lively brood of great grandchildren who never failed to make him smile: Luna, Cody, Zettie, Jolene and Laney. These words are not sufficient to describe this sweet, caring man, who touched the lives of so many. To help celebrate his life, join us for a memorial service at Rose Mortuary, 1421 N. Broadway, on Saturday, December 31 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to YOKE, P.O. Box 3492, Knoxville, TN 37927, or via their website at http://yokeyouth.org.