Family of late custodian to give back to North Allegheny's Hosack Elementary

Kevin Cavlovich, the late head custodian at Hosack Elementary, had been such a welcoming presence at the school’s front entrance that one parent once thought he was a principal there.

That is just one of the stories Stephanie Waters shared about her brother, who passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 5 at age 30. And it’s also an example of how much he valued his work and the students he saw every day.

His family has been so impressed by the outpouring of gratitude and support that they want to give back to the school he loved, Waters said.

“We’re grateful. The outpouring of support for Kevin has been wonderful. We look forward to giving back to them as much as they have given to us,” said Waters, 36, a nurse anesthetist who lives in Regent Square.

Shortly after Cavlovich’s passing, his family started a GoFundMe online fundraiser. As of Feb. 14, the page raised more than $13,000.

The family is working with the school on ideas to celebrate Cavlovich’s memory. The Hosack Parent Faculty Association helped with several projects, including coordinating a #BeLikeMrKevin T-shirt sale through the association website. The proceeds will help support projects at the school.

Hosack students can wear them to school on March 13, the day after Cavlovich’s birthday With the help of Hosack art teacher Tara Hagerman, the students will spend a portion of that day making paper lanterns with words of kindness on them. They’ll be hung up for the annual school art show on March 30.

Kindness is how those who knew Cavlovich described him. They said he would “light up a room,” Waters said.

Cavlovich, of O’Hara Township knew all the students’ names and had a “buddy” there with special needs, she said. Her brother was 6 foot, 5 inches, so he would help some kids get their books from their lockers, Waters said.

His mom, Debbie Cavlovich, said he would even help open milk cartons for students.

Debbie Cavlovich’s birthday was a week after her son died. She said he would take the day off to spend with her and her grandchildren. So the school staff and students made her birthday cards. Hudson also sent over popcorn and snacks, something Cavlovich would do.

Superintendent Dr. Melissa Friez and Hudson visited Debbie Cavlovich after her son’s death. Several school board members, the head of the NA Facilities Department and fellow co-workers attended his funeral services, Debbie Cavlovich said. Hudson was asked to speak.

“It’s unbelievable how much time they spent with us,” Debbie Cavlovich said.

While at Hosack, Kevin participated in staff competitions, participated in dress-up days, bought balloons for special student lunches, even carried students to the nurse’s office, said Hudson.

“What made him the best had nothing to do with his job description or what he was paid to do but with his ability to do what was needed with a smile, greet each student by name, and connect with people through his quiet acts of kindness,” Hudson said.

He was the first recipient of the North Allegheny Support Service Compass Award in August 2022 for his service.

Waters said he was humble and low-key and enjoyed the simple things in life.

The family is still waiting for the results of an autopsy. Waters said he was physically fit and regularly visited a doctor so they are not sure how he passed, although they said he had been sick right around New Year’s.

Kevin Cavlovich played football and was a wrestler at Shaler Area High School. He has an older brother, Justin, 33. His father, Mike, and mother still live in Shaler.

The family is researching ways to use the GoFundMe money, but hope to have a book written about the importance of kindness that will be given to students at Hosack.