Robert V. Caffarelli

Robert V. Caffarelli, 78, of Lawrence, KS (formerly of Olathe, KS & Omaha, NE) passed away peacefully on March 4, 2011, surrounded by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy, and their children and grandchildren.
Bob was born on November 12, 1932 in Norfolk, NE, and moved to Omaha, NE, as an infant. He graduated from Omaha Technical High School where he was Class President and a star football player and wrestler. Although slight in size, Bob was big in heart and determination; he was the starting nose guard for the 1949 state championship team and was inducted into the Nebraska State High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
Bob served in the U.S. Navy and later in the Naval Reserves. Following the Navy, Bob married the love of his life, Nancy M. Wright, on October 12, 1957. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking while beginning what would become a 35 year career in the banking industry. In 1975 Bob relocated with his family to Olathe, KS, where he joined the First National Bank of Olathe. In 1978 Bob was elected as an Olathe Committeemen (3rd Ward, 3rd Precinct), serving multiple terms and was a member of the Mayor’s Steering Council. He also was involved with numerous civic organizations including the Optimist Club, Olathe Chamber of Commerce (where he served as President for multiple terms), Board Member of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red Cross and Regional Chairman of the Southern Johnson County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Following his retirement from the banking industry, Bob began a second career as a residential real estate agent with what would eventually become Reece & Nichols. Bob enjoyed great success in his “retirement” earning numerous multi-million dollar volume awards selling real estate throughout much of the 1990s and 2000s.
While Bob enjoyed a long and successful business career, he was always quick to point out his greatest sense of pride was his family; he was passionate about spending time with family and would brag often of his children and grandchildren’s activities. Bob’s other interests included hunting, fishing and golf (he was a past member of Brookridge, Leawood South & Meadowbrook Country Clubs). By far, his biggest passion, aside from his family, was Nebraska Football; Bob was a season ticket holder since 1964 and was looking forward to another season. Bob was also very involved with his church, Heritage Presbyterian in Olathe, KS where he was a founding member and served as an elder, treasurer and lector.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his daughter, Nancy Rhodes of Lawrence KS; son Robert A. Caffarelli (married to Laureen Moore Caffarelli) of Lee’s Summit, MO; his granddaughter, Melissa Mourek (married to Mike Mourek) of Ottawa, KS; grandson, Nicholas D. Dannevik (married to Haley Bowlin-Dannevik) of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Callahan & Brogan Caffarelli (children to Robert & Laureen) of Lee’s Summit, MO and great-grandchildren, Porter & Reese (children to Nicholas & Haley Dannevik) of Lawrence, KS.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10th, at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 15550 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS. A memorial service will be held at Heritage Presbyterian at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11th.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Heritage Presbyterian Church in memory of Robert V. Caffarelli. Leave a special message for the family at www.McGilley-Frye.com.