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George Cavalliere Obituary
George Roger "Doc" Cavalliere, 92, Scottsdale's original charismatic curator of joy, peacefully passed away on September 19, 2009, eight days shy of his 93rd birthday. Born in Scottsdale, AZ on September 27, 1916, Doc was a WWII veteran who proudly served with the Army Air Corps in North Africa and Bari, Italy, repairing B-24 Liberator airplanes when they returned from their missions in combat. After the war, Doc returned home to Scottsdale, where he took over and worked in the Cavalliere Blacksmith Shop from 1945 until he passed the family business down to his son, George Allen Cavalliere, in the late 1980s. Doc also served as one of Scottsdale's first Town Council members from 1951-1959, and owned the Reata Pass Steakhouse and Greasewood Flat since 1958. Doc was the last living survivor of Mary Alice and George Sydney Cavalliere's eight children, who were one of Scottsdale's pioneer families. He is proceeded in death by his loving wife of 34 years, Margery Wilson Cavalliere, daughter "Crissy", step-daughter Cynthia Wilson, and grandson Jeremy Silva Cavalliere. Doc's wonderful legacy & love will live on thru son George, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Dejesus Silva Cavalliere, step-sons David and Steve Wilson, son-in laws Rodney Enloe and Hoyt Johnson, grandchildren Justin, Joshua, Jake, Brighton, Jessica, Ashley, Amber, and Alison, caretaker and companion, Joyce Eller, nieces and nephews Cavalliere Ketchum, Jan Ketchum Stover, Robert Cavalliere, and Mary Jane Cavalliere Klein, many grand/great nieces and nephews, and his numerous & dear family of friends.
Doc will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him as a warm, loving man who adored children, a good joke, and spending time with his friends and family. With a heart as big as Arizona, Doc always accepted any person, stray dog, or wild pig into his life with a twinkle in his eye, a bright smile that lit up the desert, and a hardy belly laugh that could be heard for miles. A celebration of Doc's life will be held on his birthday, Sunday, September 27th at 4pm at Greasewood Flat. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 30, 7 - 9pm, at Messinger Mortuary and Chapel, 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale. Services will be on Thursday, October 1, 9:30am, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 7655 E. Main Street, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scottsdale Museum of the West at 7610 E. McDonald Dr., Suite K, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, and to the Scottsdale Historical Society at 6944 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Cavalliere
JON SCOTT
June 14, 2017
REST IN PEACE DOC, YOU WERE A GOOD MAN LOVED BY ALL, AND YOU WILL BE MISSED.
GOD BLESS, JON SCOTT
Carlo Cavalliere
August 21, 2014
Browsing the net l found this site about George Cavalliere. My name is Carlo Cavalliere. But l live in Rome and l am an English teacher here. My mother and father came from Puglia and they moved to Rome as soon as they got married.
February 20, 2012
Hi Hon, I just returned from your wonderful park, I put a white rose at the plaque that I had made for you. I hope your as proud as I am for the honor the City of Scottsdale has given you and for allowing me to put my plaque there instead of a city plaque. Miss you and love you for always & always, Joyce
Alison Cavalliere
April 1, 2011
Hay grampa miss and love you<33 from your little girl
Bob Waddill & family
September 27, 2010
"Doc" and all the Cavalliere family.. Sorry but I just found out about Doc's passing. My name is Bob Waddill and i'm repersenting the Cavalliere family from California, unfortunitly very few remain from the old Santa Barbara Cavalleri era. My grandfather Frank Cavalliere started shoeing horses in Pheonix around 1906 and was the one who got the job on the old Canal for Doc's father George "Cavie" Cavalliere. I remember going to Scottsdale at least twice yearly and can still remember how wonderful the Cavalliere family treated us. The two things I will always remember is the Scottsdale Parade and going to Reata Pass. I always looked forward to going. In the later years after all the oldtimers passed the two familes somewhat driffed apart. Well Doc, you are going to meet allot of old family and they are going to be so happy to see you....Good bye Uncle "Doc", God bless & Happy Trails.
Vena Berry
October 24, 2009
To the Cavilliere family & friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I did not have the priviledge of knowing George personally...
But I have experienced the loss of a close loved one to death & know very much the pain that comes with it. Pleas try to find comfort in that ...."God is healing the broken-hearted ones, & is binding up their painful spots."
(PSALMS 147:3) Again, I am very sorry for your loss.
faye groen
October 21, 2009
Doc,This has been very hard for me to send this but I know that you are looking down from above with those loving eyes and your beautiful smile.I had the honor of such wonderful hugs from you and I can remember like yesterday but more like almost 25 years ago when I met you and Marge guess since Marge was from St Paul Mn. and myself being from Mn.always felt like I was adopted by you two.Than I met Stan (THE MAYOR) of Greasewood and he has always been such a great person and would always give great hugs and welcome me to the special tables and would always treat my guest and myself as part of a big wonderful family.Was one of my daughters favorite place we always would go out there and look for Doc and Stan.Doc you will leave a void out there on the ranch I will miss you and say Hi to my great Mother up there I hope she was there to greet with the first dance after Marge and your daughter.I shall always have many special memories of the fun time.I love you Doc you were the greatest.Prayers and love to your family and also to Stan(the Mayor)
Georgette white
October 20, 2009
On vacation from Albany, Georgia with my family, my brother Mike Zrust and sister-in-law Ann-Marie planned an evening at Greasewood Flat we had a wonderful time eating drinking and enjoying a relaxed country atmosphere even in the rain, the children also enjoyed being kids. We didnt have the pleasure of actually meeting Doc but we all felt like we knew him well. God Bless you and yourl family; Georgette white and family
October 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ann-Marie & Mike Zrust~
October 19, 2009
Where does the time go? I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Doc and frequenting Greasewood Flat for 35 years. Scottsdale's oldest, native born citizen has moved on to join Marge at age 92.
The Cavalliere's, Stan, and the rest of the gang at Greasewood have lost an icon, father figure, and a great man. The wife and I had our first date at Greasewood Flat. Always a good time and great folks to meet and chat with.
Doc, you will be missed, rest in peace.
Dawn Kackley
October 13, 2009
I have the fondest memories of DOC, what a great man, We were all blessed to have had him in our lives.
Bonni Stover
October 8, 2009
I always had the feeling that Doc, my great uncle, was happy to see me. However, I suspect almost every person and animal who met him got that feeling – that he was happy to see them and they were welcome to sit down, relax and stay for a while. He was quick with a smile, a laugh and a big hug. Something about his natural and genuine warmth put me immediately at ease. I never felt self conscious in his company - I could simply be myself and that would be just fine. The older I get, the more I realize how rare that is. He made a big impression and I will miss him.
AJ & Ken Gyure
October 3, 2009
We've been enjoying Greasewood and Reatta Pass for almost 20 years now and always enjoyed seeing you smiling face and sharing in your birthday celebrations when we could. You're a man of great honor and you'll be missed by all...Stan misses you much but we'll help him keep your memories alive. Thanks for letting us create so many memories at your place. AJ & Ken
Wendy Cavalliere
September 30, 2009
You will be missed, Rest in Peace.
Denny & Glynda Young
September 30, 2009
Many fun filled memories at Greasewood that go back 30 years. Those were the carefree days of parties & good friends with an unforgetable host. Doc is a legend.
Joyce - our thoughts follow you as you celebrate your time with Doc.
God Speed!
September 29, 2009
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of Doc's family members. Our loss is truly Heaven''s gain. Carrie and I have been going to Greasewood for many years, enjoying the "neighbors", the dancing, music, food and Doc's hospitality and graciousness. Never had a bad time there and the good times were great! My best buddy, Jim Winter, introduced me to Greasewood some 20+ years ago and we've enjoyed it ever since. It should be on the National Historical Registry.
Carrie and Mike Petrone
Fountain Hills
Bryan, Shannon Cavalliere
September 29, 2009
May Doc Rest in Peace. He will surely be missed by all. God Bless.
Todd Campbell
September 29, 2009
Doc, I still have all my fingers and both eyes because of you and you getting down on me, thanks Doc !
Todd "Toad" campbell
Smokey Stover
September 28, 2009
When I married his niece, Doc welcomed me into the big Cavalliere Family by labeling me, with a big smile and laugh, a "California prune picker". Over the next 43 years, through good times and bad, that welcoming smile and laugh never waned. We will miss Uncle Doc.
Richard Cadena
September 27, 2009
God Bless you Doc. You were there for my dad when he most needed a father figure. He always loved and respected you. He spoke so often about the life lessons you showed him. He felt a part of the Cavalliere family. I thank you for your guidence of a young man who grew up to be a wonderful husband and father.I know that you and the "Little Camote" are having a great time , with lots of heart felt belly laughs.We love you and we'll miss you til we meet again. The Cadena Boys....
Chet Hartel
September 27, 2009
Memories of many fire side chats filled with laughter, humor, warmth, understanding and kindness fill my heart as I recall the the pleasure of Doc's company at Greasewood Flat. Rest in Peace, Doc. You shall forever live on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Marla O'Toole
September 27, 2009
May the memory of your spirit, warm smile, twinkle of your blue eyes and hearty laugh forever live on at "Doc's Table" at Greasewood Flat. I feel blessed to have known you. You will truly be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, Dear Doc.
Mindy Stover
September 25, 2009
Scottsdale will never be the same, nor will we -- it's a TRUE end of an era. :'}
Doc was one of the reasons why I so love Scottsdale, Arizona: the deep-rooted love in it. I will never forget the warmth, kindness, patience, love, and laughter that always filled my life whenever I was fortunate enough to get to spend time with Doc -- my Great-Uncle Doc -- no matter if I was only three years old or thirty-seven. I will dearly miss seeing that twinkle in his eyes, his storytelling and jokes, holding his hand, getting his hugs, his extreme love and care, and hearing his WONDERFUL laugh. I will ALWAYS hold Uncle Doc, and my memories of him, in my heart, and there he will ALWAYS live. :)
God bless all eight of those WONDERFUL Cavalliere kids -- they are now all together, laughing and playing in the olives trees once again!!!
God bless ALL of us wonderful Cavallieres!!!
Elizabeth Cavalliere
September 25, 2009
Doc, Thank you for your love, we were blessed to be part of life...you will be truly missed .... May you rest in peace..
Mary Anne Babcock(Bennett)
September 25, 2009
Scottsdale has lost a true legend in the passing of "Doc". As a graduate of Scottsdale High School in the 50's, the blacksmith shop was one of our gathering places. It was part of what made Scottsdale the "Wests Most Western Town" it was then and is remembered as today. God Bless to the Cavalliere family.
Heidi Stakis
September 25, 2009
A great friend and oh what a story teller! Doc, we love you and will miss you very much. Thoughts and prayers for your family. Sincerely, Heidi, Kenny and Jessica
Kristina Stellhorn
September 25, 2009
Dear Doc,
Rest in peace! Thanks for being there for our mom and our family and everyone else who treasured you and your delicious fare. We will remember you and your smile always.
Julie (Stellhorn) Bills
September 25, 2009
Our family has such wonderful memories of Doc Cavalliere, Reata Pass, and Greasewood Flat. Having grown up in Arizona, we grew up with the Cavalliere kids. Our mother, Rose Ann, worked at Reata Pass for many years, so all of us kids spent many an evening under the stars at Reata. My sisters later worked as bussers when they were teenagers. We all loved Doc and looked forward to seeing him on our visits! As adults, late afternoon trips out to Greasewood to watch the sun set and enjoy good music and good times have always been one of our favorite adventures. We'll continue these adventures, because we know that Doc lives on in the wonderful and special character of Reata Pass and Greasewood Flat. Doc, we are just a few of many who will miss you very much! Our hearts are with the Cavalliere family ....
Lois Sand's Family
September 24, 2009
Doc, you have left an amazing legacy and lifetime of wonderful memories. You will be missed but not forgotten.
John & Pam Cavalier
September 24, 2009
Greasewood will never be the same--it has rolled with the times but Doc was the rock. He was a most generous man, it's true. Here's to you Doc, your memory will live on.
Don Sexton
September 23, 2009
I had the pleasure of knowing Doc since 1967, I had the business next door to the blacksmith shop for many years, we enjoyed each others company at reata pass and greasewood flats on many occasions, he was a well respected by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him. He will truely be missed. Thank you for all the good times Doc.
September 23, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Cavalliere family. I had the pleasure to know Doc over 20 years, and he was a special person. He will be missed.
Marty Katz
Eric Jones
September 23, 2009
Doc, rest in peace! Thanks for all that you have done to make Scottsdale unique. We will always cherish the good times with you at the Greasewood Flat! May Doc's table last forever..
Eric and Janet Jones
Tammy Smith
September 22, 2009
He will be missed by many.
September 22, 2009
I have known Doc for at least 25years we had so many good times over the years. It always thrilled me to get to see him I loved his smile,his sprit & his hugs!I feel honored to have known him he was one of a kind & loved by many.my condolences to Joyce & his family Alice Grandprey
Diane Joss
September 22, 2009
In every family there is a great one who comes along maybe once in a 100-year-span - and when they're gone, there is no one with that huge spirit to step into their place - in our family it was Elmer - in the Cavalliere family Doc - we must go on without them - always sad.
Dennis Starkins
September 22, 2009
Doc, Greasewood Flat will never be the same on Sunday afternoon without you sitting at "Doc's Table" with Stan, Kay and all your good friends. "You are a Good Man Doc", Rest in Peace.
Frantz Family
September 22, 2009
My father (Jim Frantz) had many fond memories of working with Doc in the early 1970's at the Cavalliere Blacksmith Shop...we have lost one of the last "good ones".
September 22, 2009
You may be gone, but never ever forgotten. Thanks for all the laughs, fun times and wonderful memories at Greasewood on road trips and at the ranch. You will always remain in our hearts and in our memories.
Karen Pacilla
September 22, 2009
You may be gone, but never ever forgotten. Thanks for all the laughs, fun times and wonderful memories at Greasewood on road trips and at the ranch. You will always remain in our hearts and in our memories.
Justin & Bri Metz
September 22, 2009
Sitting back at Greasewood listening to Stan tell your stories next to the fires. Such great memories at such a great place. Thanks for always staying true.
Jane Stapp
September 22, 2009
Thanks for the memories, Doc, and we had a million! Rest in peace and know that you will forever be in our hearts.
Dwight Morgan
September 21, 2009
Good Ride Cowboy, Good Ride!!
Dwight & Sheryl Morgan
September 21, 2009
Good Ride Cowboy, Good Ride!!
Dwight and Sheryl Morgan
Tony Nelssen
September 21, 2009
Godspeed Doc. Scottsdale will never be the same. One of a kind. All my best to the family.
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