News

In Memoriam: Rodeo Legend, Bob Cavaliere

 It is with great regret that MEA Energy Association (MEA) and the National Gas Rodeo Committee announce the sad passing of our friend and former committee member, Robert (Bob) Cavaliere, on Thursday, April 16 at age 74.
 
Our hearts are saddened at this loss. Cavaliere was an integral part of the rodeo since 1998 when he served as a coach for the Keyspan Energy (now National Grid) in-house teams. Cavaliere joined the National Gas Rodeo Committee in 1999 and continued on as a passionate ambassador until 2018.
 
Mike Chitwood of Ed Young Sales Company, a committee member who served with Cavaliere said, “Few people have the heart Bob did. He was a very loving and caring individual and we were very fortunate to have known him. Bob was passionate about this event and serving on the committee, so much that he continued on long into retirement. He was not only a wonderful team member, but a true friend.”
 
Cavaliere was generous with his time and always promoted the rodeo to anyone in the gas industry. Outside of the rodeo, he was a coach for youth sports and served as the Executive Director of Public Relations for Parkville Youth Organization and President of the Kiwanis Club of West End, Marine Park and Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, New York.
 
“Bob always found the good in everyone he met. He treated everyone like they were his family. I will miss talking to Bob about the Rodeo, his true love. He loved his family, he loved spending time with them and going on trips. Bob touched so many people with kindness not only on National Gas Rodeo Committee but in his own hometown. I will miss my buddy,” said Pat Wentworth of NiSource – Columbia Gas of Ohio, longtime head judge of the rodeo.
 
The National Gas Rodeo Committee honored Cavaliere for his service with a commemorative Rodeo Champion ring in 2019. In addition, he was a recipient of the National Gas Rodeo Trail Boss Award in 2016, given annually to an outstanding individual who contributed much to the success of the event.
 
“Bob was loved by all and will not soon be forgotten,” said John Gann, program services vice president of MEA.

Bob Cavaliere proudly shows off his commemorative ring.