Jeffrey M LaCava
July 17, 1952 ~ April 15, 2025
Jeffrey M. LaCava, age 72, passed away April 15, 2025 at his home in Silver Springs, FL. He was born July 17th, 1952 in Bedford, Ohio to the late Andrew Palivoda and Mildred Palivoda-LaCava.
Jeff graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1971 and was well known as a very talented basketball player and member of the 1970 Dream Team. He then went on to play at the University of West GA and was a member of the 1974 NAIA championship team.
Jeff was a man of many talents with a great sense of humor. He was a wonderful father to his daughter, Taylor Elizabeth, and was known as fun & silly “Papa Jeff” to his 4 grandchildren, Wesley Hugh, Maverick Bo, Logann Alaina & Luke Adam. He was very artistic in landscaping, home building and a great backyard mechanic. He loved collecting & working on old cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats.
Jeff was a kind, caring and loving person who was very passionate in everything he did. He was a successful entrepreneur and salesman. Throughout his career, he owned a successful landscaping company, built & sold multiple custom homes and owned a motorcycle clothing & accessories shop. For the past 15+ years he poured his passion for motorcycles into his sales career at Hawg Halters, Inc where he sold custom motorcycle parts to dealers & enthusiasts nationwide.
Jeff is survived by his wife Patty Harris, his daughter Taylor (Adam) Waller, his grandchildren Wesley, Maverick, Luke and Logann, his siblings, Charlotte (John) Valencic, Denise (Terry) LaCava, George (Mary Lou) LaCava, Frank (Lynette) LaCava, Lori (Al) Andersen, Alan LaCava, Marty (Nancy) LaCava, John (Diane) LaCava and James (Melissa) LaCava and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Franklin G. LaCava and his brother David LaCava.
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Jeff will be missed by many, he will be remembered for his many contributions to sport as a competitor and in his diversified business adventures. My condolences to his family and all his many friends.
Knew Jeff from working at Hawg Halters and Renegade wheels with him. Traveled many miles on two wheels with him and also some on four wheels. Been to many a ralley with him.Â
I’m devastated by the loss of my Beloved Jeff!  God brought us together at a point in our lives when we needed each other.  He helped me through the loss of my son Christopher..always reminding me how strong I was. He was a one of a kind man.  He told me he was going to be my lucky charm the first night I met him 11 years ago. He was the man I waited my whole life for.  We had so many great adventures together and laughed and loved through it all. He was Kind ,Funny, Passionate about every thing, Stylish ,Bad Ass and so Cool.  He loved Taylor with all his heart and being Papa Jeff!! We had so many plans for the rest of our lives . I was proud and Blessed to be his Wife and loved my Best Friend and Soulmate! It is so quiet now without him..I miss our long 3 hour talks every day..and just hearing that voice! I will Love him forever til I get to be with him for eternal Life!  God Bless you my foreVer Lucky Charm!
   Dear LaCava family. Please accept my condolences on Jeff’s passing. I am an old high school teammate and friend. Some of my fondest memories were going out after our games in high school and double dating. Jeff was very funny and always made me laugh. Even though we lost touch after high school I thought about him many times. I will see him again in heaven. Rest in peace my Viking brother.Â
Wow! So sad. I knew Jeff “Lacoocoo since 3rd grade. We lost touch but I thought about him often. Hell of a BBall player and we had so many good times together. Most I won’t mention here. So many good times just wish we could have one more. Rest in piece my brother!
Jeff was a great personal friend for the the last 9 years. He deserved all the happiness in this life and I loved hearing that happiness in his voice when he talked about his grandchildren and Taylor. He never hung up the phone without telling me he hoped I would what he had. Jeff my friend you were loved and will be missed and Taylor I'm sorry I didn't know sooner. Your Dad was such a good man and a great friend. Please give Patty my condolences.
Rest in Peace my fellow Viking!!!!
Dear Jeff,
So many beautiful, fun memories. Your extended family and I will forever cherish them all. There’s no doubt in my mind that “Today YOU are with our Heavenly Father in Paradise “.   Thanks be to God!
            – – Mimi
Deepest sympathy to the family!! Your Viking BrotherÂ
I worked with Jeff over the 25 years of running my company and he was a incredible man and will be dearly missed.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family during this difficult time. We will miss talking to Jeff about orders and seeing him at rallies. God Bless…🙏🏾
Jeff was a funny, kind, and good friend while traveling with Hawg Halters to Sturgis. Memories will be treasured, my condolences to you and your family. RIP JeffÂ
Our deepest condolences to Jeff’s family and the HHI family he was a great man. We are so sorbet for your loss
I'm really saddened herein that Jeff passed away he helped me with customizing my bike. I really enjoyed talking to him throughout my orders.I Would like to give my condolences to his family and friends and coworkers.Jeff was the coolest guy I ever talked to on the phone even though I was in California it was like I've been knowing him for a long time.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jeff. Jeff was truley a good friend, a mentor, and a loving father to Taylor. Jeff was the guy that never met a stranger, and he treated everyone as though they were his best friend. He had a knack for making everyone laugh, loosen up, and enjoy the moment. Having worked with and been roommates with Jeff for many years, there are endless stories that I could share. Reflecting on those memories we shared… Jeff, you will be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jeff's loving family, friends and those who were lucky to have crossed his path. He crossed mine in the 70's, and may have saved my life. While stranded outside Cleveland's Madhatter on E18th street at 2AM with a flat tire on my MG Jeff appears like a guardian angel to change my tire and sends me off home. Thanks JEFF for that and for all the laughs on Little mountain with Bill. Enjoy Heaven.
My deepest heart felt sympathy goes to Jeff and his family. He was a dear friend for many years. We always had many laughs!! Jeff (aka Bodine, Lacoocoo) was the consummate entertainer. I could right a book on our escapades, some hard to believe!! I will always keep those memories close to my heart!!
He was special, God bless!!