CAVALIER, TONY

CAVALIER, TONY Tony Cavalier, Age 77, December 6, 2023. Pre-deceased by his parents Mary and Joe Cavalier and his sister Joanne Hinke. Tony is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 45 years Joan and their nephews Mike Merritt & Pete Ansell and niece Autumn Ansell. Tony is also survived by his nephew Jackie Hinke and niece Patty Hinke as well as great nieces Maggie, Molly, Mary Pat and Alma. Tony leaves behind his two kitties Luigi and Julianna. Tony was a lifelong resident of North Wildwood and was a U.S. Army Veteran who served from 1966-68 in Germany attaining the rank of Specialist E-5. Following his service in the Army, Tony began his career with the North Wildwood Beach Patrol. He also served as a volunteer member of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Chief Cavalier began his service to the residents and visitors of North Wildwood in 1968. He served in every position on the beach patrol except for Medic/EMT, during his career. During his tenure, Chief Cavalier helped to develop thousands of young men and women into professional lifeguards. His efforts and leadership directly contributed to the saving of thousands of lives. Chief Cavalier was a pioneer in welcoming female lifeguards to what historically had been an all-male profession. North Wildwood now boasts one of the highest percentages of female lifeguards in the Country. Some of Chiefs favorite days in the summer were hosting the Beschen-Callahan Races and the Around the Island Row. He always enjoyed Christmas in July and the lifeguard ball. Every summer on the last day of rookie school, he would tell the rookies it would be "the best job you'll ever have". It certainly was for him! Tony Cavalier was born in Philadelphia, raised in Wildwood and lived in North Wildwood for 50 years. He graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School. Visitation will be held on Wednesday Dec. 13th from 10 am to 1 pm at Ingersoll Greenwood Funeral Home , 1201 Central Ave., North Wildwood, NJ. In Lieu of flowers please make contributions to Animal Outreach of West Cape May. Condolences may be sent to ingersollgreenwoodfh.com