Obituary: Richard M. Cavanaugh Sr., 88, of Wallingford

From Wallingford Funeral Home

Richard M. “Dick” Cavanaugh, Sr., 88, of Wallingford, loving husband of 53 years of the late Barbara (McMahon) Cavanaugh, died Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford. He was known to many as “Mr. Tots & Teens” or “Mr. C.”

He was born in Meriden, February 29, 1928, a son of the late Henrietta Germain and the late John Lawrence, and the late Michael Cavanaugh and Marjorie Cavanaugh. He attended Lyman Hall High School, American International College and was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He founded Wayside Tots and Teens of Wallingford with his mother in 1948 and operated the store alongside his wife Barbara until 1998. Mr. C was a parishioner of The Church of the Resurrection and active in Friends of Lyman Hall Football. He also loved to train saddle bred horses.

He is survived by his children, Richard M. Cavanaugh Jr. and his wife Carol of Newport, RI, Margaret “Meg” Cavanaugh of Meriden, John P. Cavanaugh of Wallingford, and Michael D. Cavanaugh and his wife Laurie of Lincoln, NE; his grandchildren, Shane, Blair and Julia; his stepmother, Marjorie Cavanaugh; his brothers, Michael C. Cavanaugh (Nancy), and Dale Cavanaugh (Terry); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a beloved friend, Daniel P. Wallace.

He was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan and enjoyed following their careers. His family would like to thank Pam Catalina and Sr. Catherine Mary from Franciscan Home Care and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Sisters’ Project, PO box 1643, Wallingford, CT 06492, VIBe Inc. c/o Holistic Therapies, 15 S. Elm St., Wallingford CT 06492, or Franciscan Home Care and Hospice, 267 Finch Ave, Meriden, CT 06451.

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