Harold Traviolia
HAROLD JEROME TRAVIOLIA II
Leesburg, FL – Harold Jerome Traviolia II, 79, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, Florida.
Born on February 14, 1937 in Lafayette, Indiana, the son of Harold and Maxine (Brooke) Traviolia, “Trav” grew up showing horses at local exhibitions. He graduated from Lafayette Jeff High school in 1954 where he was a three-sport letterman competing in football, basketball and track. Trav attended Wabash College where he continued playing football and basketball. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and psychology in 1958. He later obtained a master’s degree in social studies and physical education from Ball State University.
Trav met his wife, Francie Utterback, in Crawfordsville, Indiana and they were married at Wabash Chapel on August 1, 1959. His 40-year teaching and coaching career took the couple throughout the state of Indiana, including: Bicknell High School, Muncie South High School, Lake Central High School and Wawasee High School.
Coach Trav led the 1973 Wawasee High School football team to 9-1 regular season record and the school’s first appearance in the IHSAA playoffs. In 1981, he transitioned from coaching into administration becoming Wawasee’s Athletics Director where he held that position until his retirement in 1996. Trav was recognized by the IHSAA with the Charles F. Maas Distinguished Service Award for his career-long commitment scholastic and athletic excellence.
Seeking shelter from the Midwest winters, Trav and Francie moved to Royal Highlands Retirement Community in 2001 where they both re-discovered their love for golf and making new friends.
Trav is survived by his wife of 57 years, Francie; his son, Brad; daughter-in-law Laura; grandchildren Lauren and Ryan; his brother Pat; sister-in-law Nancy; nephew Patrick; and niece Jennifer. He was preceded in death by his son Brett Traviolia.
Visitation with the family will be held at Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse, Indiana on Sunday, September 25th from 1-3 p.m. A memorial service will also be held at Eastlund beginning at 3 p.m. followed by a burial at Syracuse Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.