Michael Felix Cavotta

December 8, 1943 — April 20, 2024

MICHAEL FELIX CAVOTTA, age 80, beloved husband of Wendy (nee Replogle) for 20 years; loving father of Michael (Hilary), Matthew (Kylie), Haley (Raymond), Stacy (John), and Melissa; proud grandfather of Tristan, Grace, Lola, Greta, Michael, Robert, John, Shayla, Sydney, and Jaxson; devoted great grandfather of Jane and Remi; cherished son of the late Michael and Mary (nee Manzie); dearest brother of Marilyn (James, deceased), Joseph (Marie), and Phillip; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.

Mike was born on December 8, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Collinwood High School, where he graduated top of his class and was a state champion shot putter and recipient of the prestigious CHS Honor Key. He attended The Ohio State University on a full-ride athletic scholarship, graduating in 1968 with 8 varsity letters and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering.
Mike’s career as an innovator and entrepreneur began at Alcoa Cleveland, where he worked as an Operations Research specialist and implemented a computer-based optimization & tracking system for the USAF F-14 program during the Vietnam War. His career in technology would lead to a sales position with Cyphernetics, where he became a top distributor in the country and President's Club member for 5 consecutive years.

As an engineer, he was a man ahead of his time devoted to the health and well-being of others. Inspired by his mother’s cardiac illness in the 1970s, Mike went on to create innovative systems for the healthcare industry that helped redefine the relationship between chronic disease patients and caregivers, including a ground-breaking heart telemedicine program for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Building on that success, Mike founded Performance Concepts, Inc., pioneering the world’s first comprehensive home cardiac rehabilitation system. The company would go on to introduce health and wellness information kiosks to the world in partnership with General Nutrition (GNC)—designing, manufacturing, and managing a network of thousands of interactive health systems a full decade before the Internet and the age of e-commerce. Together with his wife and partner, Wendy, they harnessed the spirit of innovation and led the company to become an award winning, multi-million-dollar success story.

Even after college and retirement, Mike never lost his love for training. For nearly 40 years, he was a dominant force in his age group at the Senior Games, where his legacy as a winning shot putter continued until the age of 78.

When he wasn’t busy at work (or working out), Mike was an active member of the Collinwood HS Alumni Association for 25 years, and president for the last 9. His vision and leadership saw the preservation of the school’s 440’ of iconic, Depression-era wall murals along with the historic Collinwood 999 Engine, both now housed at the Western Reserve Railroad Museum.

In his spare time, Mike could be found tending the 19-acre lakefront ranch he built for his family, who were at his side when he passed peacefully at home on April 20, 2024. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mike to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 4–8pm at Billy's A Cappelli Martini Bar, located at 7338 Industrial Park Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060.

Arrangements and cremation entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.

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Michael Felix Cavotta

December 8, 1943 — April 20, 2024

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