James R. Cavalancia

James Rudolph Cavalancia, 92, of Indiana, PA (formerly of Blairsville) passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at The Gardens at Indiana, Indiana, PA.

The son of Antonio and Mary (DiFrank) Cavalancia, he was born on June 26, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jim graduated from Clarion University in 1954 and went on to pursue his master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

His love for the game of basketball led him to coach at Blairsville High School and work as a Guidance Counselor for 42 years until his retirement from the Blairsville Saltsburg School District.

Jim was a devoted parishioner of the SS Simon and Jude Roman Catholic Church, Blairsville, a lifelong member of the Blairsville Rotary Club, a member of the BPOE #406, and for many years the director of the Blairsville Parks and Recreation Board.

He was an avid golfer at Chestnut Ridge and the Indiana Country Club.

Surviving are his sons, Dr. Jeffrey A. Cavalancia (Judy) of Indiana, and Dr. Barry J. Cavalancia of Wayzata, MN; three grandchildren, Dr. James Cavalancia (Dr. Kaite Cavalancia), Carmen Buggey (Shane), and Desiree Cavalancia; six great grandchildren; a brother, Wilbert Cavalancia of Plum; a sister, Mary Cavalancia of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 69 years, Rosalind (Trabucco) Cavalancia on January 6, 2025, his brothers, Alfred, Steve, Dominick, and Nick, and his sisters, Betty and Rose.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc. 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. Prayers of Transfer will be in the funeral home on Thursday, June 19th at 11:30 AM followed by a funeral Mass at 12 PM at the SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church, 155 N. Brady St., Blairsville with Rev. Segundino Laude celebrant.

Entombment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly requesting donations to be made in Jim’s memory to the Blairsville Parks and Recreation, 101 N. East Lane, Blairsville, PA 15717 or to SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church, 155 N. Brady St., Blairsville, PA 15717.