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By Juliet Martinez
Robert Vavro Jr., husband of Hazelwood Initiative founding board member Lisa Vavro, died on August 25 at the age of 64.
Mr. Vavro lived in Cochranton, Pennsylvania, but came from Hazelwood. His parents, Carolyn Vavro and the late Robert Sr., were pillars of the community. The garden and gazebo at Second and Johnston avenues are named for Robert Sr., who diligently cared for them.
Robert Jr. grew up in Hazelwood and graduated from Central District Catholic High School, according to his obituary. He joined the Carpenter’s Union and worked for the City of Pittsburgh Division of Public Works for 31 years as a carpenter, foreman and supervisor. He loved travel, as well as hunting, fishing and skiing. He visited all 50 states and skied throughout Europe. At home, he enjoyed cooking and knew how to can and preserve jams and vegetables. One condolence message online said the writer looked forward to seeing him because he often gave out homemade jam as a gift.
Mr. Vavro’s obituary and several online messages mentioned his friendliness and willingness to help others. In addition to his wife, Mr. Vavro is survived by his brothers, John J. Vavro and James E. (Mary) Vavro; his niece Carolyn Vavro and nephews Peter and Jay Barbor; his great-nieces Sheana and Julia McPaul and great-nephew Sean Bane. His two dogs, Duke and Kitz, will no doubt miss him as well. He is preceded in death by his father and his niece, Tricia Lynn Vavro.
Hazelwood Initiative and the Homepage staff offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Vavro’s family and friends.
To leave a condolence message for Mr. Vavro's family, visit https://obituaries.post-gazette.com/obituary/robert-v-vavro-jr-1086037830.