Obituary
Kelly J Cavitt, 58, passed away on March 29, 2022, at his home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, surrounded by his family. Kelly put up a courageous fight against melanoma until the very end. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Cavitt; his children, Ashley Cavitt and Corey Cavitt (Alishia Cavitt), granddaughter Stella Cavitt; ex-wife Lisa Cavitt; mother Gladys Cavitt; and brother Kerry Cavitt. He also had stepchildren, Alyssa Wood (Robert Wood), grandsons Easton and Walker Wood; Steven Prigge (Brooke Prigge), granddaughters Joelle and Juliette Prigge. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilburn “Vern” Cavitt and brother, Colin Cavitt.
Kelly was born on October 1, 1963, in Elgin, Illinois. He grew up in Bartlett, Illinois and attended Elgin High School, graduating class of 1981. He attended Carthage College, graduating in 1985 with a dual degree in Accounting and Business Administration. He also received a Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing Emphasis in 1993 from Benedictine University.
After competing in body building, winning Mr. Teenage Illinois in 1981 and Mr. Illinois 1986, and setting power lifting records, Kelly gave up competing to focus on his job. He married Lisa in December 1986 and went on to be the US General Manager of Lapmaster International in Morton Grove, IL from 1993-1997. In 1997, he served as the President of Lapmaster International until 2002, when he moved his family to Naples, Florida to start Cavitt Distinctive Homes with his brother Kerry, building custom homes in southwest Florida.
In 2007, Kelly and his family moved back to Crystal Lake, Illinois to rejoin Lapmaster-Wolters, aka Precision Surfacing Solutions. During his time there, he held many positions including General Manager, COO, and CFO.
In 2020, Kelly married his wife, Kathy, and took on a new challenge as CFO and VP of Supply Chain at Everglades Boats in Edgewater, Florida. He loved his new job and home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Kelly took pride in his work and assisted with mentoring and developing future talent. The pouring out of thanks and gratitude from former peers has been overwhelming. Kelly’s described as being extremely dedicated and a man of many talents. He had never-ending energy and an unmatched work ethic- all of this along with having a kind soul and a big heart.
Kelly was a devoted father to Ashley and Corey and was adored by his grandchildren, who referred to him as “Papa Panky.” Kelly had an amazing sense of humor, was always doing spot on impressions, had a great singing voice, and was a meticulous handyman.
A small list of things he enjoyed includes coaching youth hockey and football, traveling with his wife, going to the beach, scuba diving, quoting Adam Sandler, watching UFC Fight Nights, playing blackjack, attending country concerts, weightlifting, and wearing shirts with cut off sleeves- often known to have said, “I’ve never met a sleeve I liked.”
Kelly will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elgin Country Club, 2575 Weld Rd. Elgin, Illinois, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 5:30-8:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, Kelly’s final wish was for everyone to bring or send a picture of them together or a picture of something that reminds you of him. Pictures can be sent to Kathy at kathycavitt1@gmail.com.
Service
2575 Weld Rd. Elgin, Illinois
Deepest sympathy to you & your family.
Dominic & Bridget Minniti
I was close with Kelly in the 80’s where he was considered the gentle giant. There was a group of us who had a passion for bodybuilding and worked out together—Kelly was enormously strong! Kelly was Superman with the weights and had a powerful vascular physique. The group of us had great camaraderie, we were like brothers—Going to Gold’s Gym with the guys and working out are some happy memories. Gary Dobry, Kelly Cavitt, Joey Bastone, Pete Margiana, Steve DeRenzo, Donny and myself. See ya at the gym in heaven, Kelly.
I will definitely attend the celebration of life in Elgin
I am shocked and do completely saddened by the news of Kelly's passing. I didn't know him personally but know Kathy and how incredibly happy he made her. I'm so very sorry for your loss....may you find comfort in your many great memories of him. Hugs to you Kathy.