From barber’s chair to fire chief: Cavello left mark on suburban fire services
Edward Cavello Sr. took an unlikely path to a distinguished career as a fire chief in the Northwest suburbs — he worked as a barber.
Cavello, who served as fire chief in Mount Prospect, followed by a short stint as chief in Hoffman Estates, died Friday at age 83.
The Schaumburg resident headed fire operations in Mount Prospect from 1986 to 1997. He then took the helm in Hoffman Estates from 1997 to 1999. During that time, his leadership went beyond the local level — he was president of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and a member of the Firefighting Medal of Honor Committee.
He chaired the committee that built the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Springfield and spearheaded the creation of the firefighter memorial license plates.
But his deep care for others was shown by founding the Summer Burn Camp for young burn victims, sponsored by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.
“Not only was he a fire chief, he did so much for the fire service. There were so many accolades,” his daughter, Nicole Mueller, said.
Cavello found his destiny while working as a barber, a profession he pursued for a decade after graduating from barber college. A neighbor, Arlington Heights firefighter Phil Cappitelli, told Cavello about the fire service and encouraged him to apply.
After Mount Prospect hired him in 1972, his rise was swift. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1976, advanced to deputy chief in 1985 and was named fire chief in 1986.
Recently retired Mount Prospect fire Chief John Dolan, who was among Cavello’s last hires in Mount Prospect, said Cavello treated all his firefighters with respect, regardless of rank.
“Chief Cavello had a huge impact on my career because when I was a volunteer for the department, he was the one who encouraged me to test for a full-time position,” Dolan said.
Following his retirement from Hoffman Estates in 1999, he and his beloved wife Billie moved from Elk Grove Village to Sun City West, Arizona, but moved to Schaumburg four years ago.
During retirement, he passionately pursued a life of travel. He and his wife traveled around the world. He also loved fishing, golfing and spending time with his family.
“Dad lived a great life. He lived a full life, with no regrets, and family was very important to him,” his son, Butch Cavello, said.
Visitation is 3-9 p.m. Wednesday at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, and again at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Raymond de Penafort Church, 301 S. I-Oka Ave., Mount Prospect, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.