Br. Robert E. Lavelle, CSC

Brother Robert was born in Cleveland, OH to Michael and Maud Lavelle (née Kilbane), the last of 13 children. He went to both St. Patrick and St. Christopher Elementary Schools and graduated from St. Edward High School, Lakewood, OH in 1958. He entered the juniorate program for the Brothers of Holy Cross on June 17, 1958 in Watertown, WI, and made first vows at St. Joseph Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, IN on August 16, 1959. He attended St. Edward’s University in 1959, graduating with a BA in Education in 1964. He then went to Kent State University, Kent, OH and obtained an MA in education in 1971. He also did academic work at John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH, Catherine Spaulding College, Louisville, KY, Marymount College, Los Angeles, CA and Boston College, Boston, MA.

Brother Robert’s first teaching assignment was at Sacred Heart Military Academy, Watertown, WI from 1963-1965. He then served at Archbishop Hoban High School, Akron, OH from 1965-1976. For the past 43 years, he served at Gilmour Academy, Gates Mills, OH. From 1976-1980, as assistant headmaster and from 1980-1981 as acting headmaster. He was appointed headmaster in 1981 and served until 2015. He was then appointed director of the Bishop Gilmour Institute for two years and began a ministry to the homeless in Cleveland, OH. He also served the Midwest Province of Brothers as a member of the Provincial Council (1979-82, 1985-91 and 2009-18) and as assistant provincial and vicar from 2018 until his death.

Brother Robert is preceded in death by his parents and his 12 brothers and sisters: Michael, Katherine Wyar, Thomas, Bernard, Sr. Mary Ann Lavelle, CSJ, Frank, Lawrence, Loretta Seidl, Theresa Gullion, Margaret, Eileen Adams, and Joseph. He is survived by 38 nieces and nephews

The Gilmour Family mourns the loss of a devoted Holy Cross educator and visionary leader, Brother Robert Lavelle, C.S.C. During his 35 years as Headmaster of Gilmour Academy, Br. Robert guided the school through periods of profound change and growth, always ensuring that Gilmour remained firmly rooted in its Holy Cross mission while preparing students for the world beyond campus. He led the planning and execution of the merger of Glen Oak and Gilmour, forming a coeducational school, and oversaw increased enrollment and endowment as well as major campus expansions, including the opening of the Lower School, Our Lady Chapel, the Floyd E. Stefanski Ice Center and the Athletic Center, along with the renovation of the Classroom Building.

While his accomplishments were many, Brother Robert will be remembered most for the way he lived — with quiet strength, kindness and an unwavering focus on students. His rare ability to honor Gilmour’s past while confidently guiding its future leaves a lasting legacy and a community deeply grateful for his life of service.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Thursday January 29 at the Gilmour Athletic Center, 34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills 44040. Friends may call at Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy Thursday morning from 8:30-9:30 am.

Mass will also be livestreamed at gilmour.org/live 

Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery at Holy Cross Village in South Bend, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Br. Robert E. Lavelle, C.S.C. Memorial Scholarship Fund at https://www.gilmour.org/brrobert

Arrangements by FIORITTO FUNERAL SERVICE of Northeast Ohio www.FiorittoFS.com and Kaniewski Funeral Homes of South Bend, Indiana