Dick Cava, 93, of Salinas passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Natividad Medical Center. He was born in Chicago November 26, 1922, his family moved to Salinas at age 8, he was a lifelong resident of Salinas.

Dick attended Salinas High School, where he excelled as a student. He was very active in student activities including the Glee club, A Cappella, Drama, Yell leader, and he was Student Body Vice President. After graduating in 1941, he joined the U.S. Army where he served in The Second World War, as part of the 127th Infantry Regt. He earned the APTC ribbon, 2 Bronze SV Stars and Combat Infantry Badge. He was Honorably discharged in 1945.

He met his wife Betty Silva while working at his father's grocery store, Cava's Alisal Market. Betty would often come in and shop with her mother. They married in 1947. Dick ran Cava's Alisal Market grocery store for 18 years, he subsequently worked as a salesman for both Joseph George distributing, and Southern Wine & Spirits. While all along, he began to grow his own business, Cava enterprises, with his wife Betty. He continued to handle the day to day activities of Cava Enterprises up until his passing.

Dick was a lifelong booster for Palma High School. He enjoyed attending Palma football, and basketball games. He also enjoyed watching his own grand-kids play sports, and taking annual Disneyland trips. He and his wife loved to travel with Bud & Alda Milani. He enjoyed taking family vacations to places like Hawaii, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Curacao. The highlight of his travels was having the opportunity to visit the birthplace of his family, Piane Crati in Italy, where he visited the church of Saint Barbara.

Dick was a true gentlemen who always treated everyone with respect and prided himself in his strong family values and work ethic. He was the ultimate family man who always put his family first. He loved spending time around family and friends. He always had a smile on his face, positive attitude and knew how to enjoy life. He always wanted the best for his family and with unwavering hard work and sacrifice he provided selflessly up to his final days. Dick loved giving back to his community in various forms, including self funding the Cava Thanksgiving dinner in Castroville for families less fortunate, a tradition that continued for 20 years. He helped sponsor the Salinas City Sports complex, he was a supporter of the Portuguese Hall in Salinas and Gilroy, and supporter of the Sons of Italy in Salinas.

Dick is preceded in death by Joseph P. Cava born in Italy, and Barbara Donnici Cava, born in Chicago, brothers, Edward Cava, and Julius Cava who passed away as an infant.

Dick is survived by his wife of 69 wonderful years, Betty (Silva) Cava, brother, Bob Cava, his two sons, Richard Cava, and Anthony Cava, grandchildren, Samantha (Cava) Dye, Elizabeth (Cava) Joyce, Nick Cava, Katie Cava, Carolyn Cava, and Patricia Cava, two great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great- nephews, and great-nieces.