Donald R. Cavanaugh

Donald Cavanaugh, of Peabody formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 5, 2024 after a lengthy illness. He was 77 years of age. 

A devout jack of all trades, he loved spending time with his family, puttering in the yard with his beloved dogs, fixing all things broken, and watching the sox, bruins and patriots. He was affectionately banned from any aspects of interior and exterior decorating by his wife and daughter.

Born in Reading, he was the loving son of the late James and Mary (Burke) Cavanaugh and the beloved son in law of the late Baldwin and Teresa (Masiello) Scalesse.

Don is the devoted husband of 56 years to his wife, Susan. Cherished father of Shawn Cavanaugh and his wife, Anne of Wakefield and Kerri Cavanaugh of Peabody. He is the dear brother of Patricia O’Donnell and the late James, Bernard, Joseph, Richard, William, Joan, and Carol Cavanaugh, Mary Oulette, Gertrude Doucette, Barbara Barrett, Ruth Parrin, and Dorothy O’keefe. Dearest brother in law of Ronald O’keefe, Theresa Russo, Vincent Scalesse and his wife, Carol and Janet Bailey and her husband Paul. He is lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family in the Doherty-Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden Street Reading on Saturday August 10th from 12pm to 2pm followed by a service celebrating Don’s eternal life at 2pm. Parking attendants and elevator available.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Don’s memory to Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Solid Tumor Center P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.