Neil Donald Cavanaugh

Neil D. Cavanaugh, of Sandwich, Massachusetts, died unexpectantly in his sleep at home on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Neil was the son of the late Helen T. (Clark) and Claude E. Cavanaugh and grew up in Cambridge and Cape Cod. He was a 1972 graduate of Barnstable High School.

He met his soulmate, Paula C. Casey, in 1976 at a Boz Scaggs, Fleetwood Mac, and Eagles concert. They became friends and bonded over a shared blue popsicle. They reconnected a year later in San Diego, California, and that’s where their love story truly began. They started their family in Pacific Beach and relocated to Massachusetts in 1990. In addition to his wife, Neil is survived by his children, Ross and his wife Rebecca, of Los Angeles, California, and Shaila Gentile and her husband Michael, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and his grandchildren: Amaya, Simon, and Elliot Gentile, all of Plymouth, and Gemma Cavanaugh of Los Angeles. He is also survived by his brothers, George, of Yarmouthport, and John, of Barnstable, his sisters-in-law, Sandra Nunes and her husband Joseph, of Seekonk, and Regina Greenleaf and her husband Robert (Greenie), of Foxborough, nephew Andrew Cavanaugh, of Yarmouthport, nephew Craig Cavanaugh and his wife Morgan and their sons, Griffin and Wesley, of Temecula, California, nephew Jacob Greenleaf of Foxborough, Massachusetts, and niece Jennifer Greenleaf and her husband Johnny Mitchell of North Attleborough, Massachusetts, and many friends who loved him dearly. In addition to his parents, Neil is predeceased by his brother David and his sister-in-law, Patricia.

A man who could fix most anything, Neil loved his family beyond anything in this world, and never shied from telling them so. From leaving his daily morning notes, to playing catch in the yard, attending every single sports game, concert, and event his children ever participated in, he was always there, sometimes freezing on a field in his scrubs, having come right from the hospital where he worked as a respiratory therapist. He was always willing to share a burger or a beer with his family or a friend, and enjoyed trying new IPAs and talking about old cars and new books. He also loved to talk about movies but struggled when it came to remembering the names of any of the actors, causing endless teasing from his family. He always took it in stride and would often reply with a sly smile and say “I know where you sleep!”. He had a quiet wit that would have everyone laughing. He was looking forward to some traveling and quality time together with Paula upon his retirement later this year. Our Neileo Beileo, Dad, Daddy, Grampy, our penguin loving man, you never stopped telling those in your life how much you loved them and you showed everyone the love that they deserved, and we can only hope to live up to and pass on your legacy. We love you. Bye for now.

A Celebration of Neil’s Life will take place on April 15, 2023 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 3330 Main Street, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in memory of Neil.