Richard T. Cavanaugh, age 85, born May 27, 1928 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Etta (VanderLaan) Cavanaugh; sisters, Irene Fuller, Eleanor Joy, and Jean Cavanaugh. He is survived by his wife, of 58 years Jan (Gruss) Cavanaugh; children, Mark (Laurie) Cavanaugh, Daniel (Susan) Cavanaugh, Peter Cavanaugh, Ann Cavanaugh; grandchildren, Jessica, Stevie, Daryl, Kelly, Matt, Mitch, Bryn, Grant, Max; six great grandchildren; sister, Norma Cuddohy; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom (Sally) Gruss; many nieces and nephews; also special nephew, Jack Fuller. Richard worked 35 years for the Grand Rapids Public Schools as an Industrial Arts and Drivers Education Instructor. He enjoyed being outdoors including sailing, biking, traveling, gardening and walking. He treasured time spent with his family especially at the lake. Dick and Jan wintered in Florida and South Texas. Together they attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia, Michigan. He was a graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School and Western Michigan University, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9669 Kraft Ave. S.E., Caledonia. Rev. Mark Bauer presiding. Visitation Thursday 5-8:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter, 2944 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
