Charles Caravati, founder of Dixie Sporting Goods Co., has passed away on April 25. Caravati founded Dixie Sporting Goods Company in 1952, and served as president until his retirement in 1987.


 


A brief statement from his two sons, Ken and Michael, who are both now running the Dixie Sporting Goods business, said, “Our Dad, Charlie Caravati, passed away Saturday night at his home in Richmond. We thank all who prayed for him over the last 6 months. He taught all aspects the team sports business. We are eternally grateful.”


After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Caravati returned to earn a business degree from the University of Richmond and then to start Dixie Sporting Goods, which has expanded to three retail and team stores plus a 10,000 square foot team-warehouse operation. Sports Supply Group acquired Dixie Sporting Goods in 2004.


A former Chairman of the Board of the NSGA Board of Directors (1981-82) Caravati also served as an NSGA Director from 1976-83. He was also a past president of The Sports Foundation, a non-profit subsidiary of NSGA that works with local park and recreation districts to promote sports participation. In addition, he previously served on the Rawlings Sporting Goods Dealer Advisory Board.


He contributed greatly to his community by founding the Dixie Coaches Clinics and the Dixie Youth Football clinics, which teach youth good sportsmanship.  


According to an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Charles Caravati was preceded in death by his parents, Henry L. and Lena Caravati; his first wife, Dorothy Longest Caravati; his brother, Henry L. Caravati Jr.; and his sister, Patricia C. Ernsberger. He is survived by his wife, Anne Forrester Caravati; and his three sons, Dr. E. Martin Caravati and his wife, Dr. Wanda Updike, of Salt Lake City, Utah, Kenneth L. Caravati and his wife, Michelle, and C. Michael Caravati and his wife, Cindi. He also leaves behind four wonderful grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ross, David and Lauren Caravati; a brother, Richard Caravati; five sisters, Elaine Ryan and her husband, John, Mary Ann Slaughter, Janet Ritzel, Suzanne McCreight and Alice Fitch and her husband, Jack.


 


A memorial service will be held at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 6006 Three Chopt Rd., Richmond, Va. on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 4 p.m. There will be a reception at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charles E. Caravati Scholarship Fund, established in 2006 at Benedictine High School, 304 N. Sheppard St., Richmond, Va. 23221.