Richard Cavanaugh

Rochester, NH- Richard T. Cavanaugh, 78, of 2 Four Rod Road died on Jan. 5, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a period of failing health. He was born April 25, 1934 in Rochester, NH, the son of Thomas and Laura (Therrien) Cavanaugh. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dr. Paul T. Cavanaugh. Dick resided in Rochester all of his life. He graduated from Spaulding High School, Class of 1954. After High School, Dick served in the U.S. Army, stationed in South Korea, between 1954-1956. After his military service, he attended and graduated from New Hampshire Technical Institute in Portsmouth, NH. In 1958, he married his High School Sweetheart, Kathleen O'Neil. Dick joined the New Hampshire State Police in 1960, and served 22 years as a NH State Trooper until his retirement in 1981. The highlight of his State Police career were the years he served in the K-9 Unit with his loyal, willing, and always ready to go partner, "Toby". Following his retirement from the NH State Police, he worked as a Private Investigator. In 1982, Dick was elected Strafford County Sheriff. He served 7 terms as Sheriff, retiring from the post in 1996. He was a life long communicant of St. Mary's Church in Rochester. He was a life member of the NH Association Chiefs of Police, Retired State Troopers Association, and NH State Police Benevolent Association. In addition, he was a member of the Elks Lodge #1393, and the American Legion Post #7. Dick's hobbies and interests included do it yourself projects and spending winters at his residence in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with his many St. Lucie Garden friends. He took great pride in fully restoring a 1940 Plymouth Business Coupe which he entered and showed in many Antique Car meets around New England, for which he won numerous ribbons and trophies. Dick especially loved spending time with his family and close friends. Dick will always be remembered for his dedication to his family, compassionate heart, and great sense of humor. Members of his family include his wife of 54 years, Kathleen (O'Neil) Cavanaugh, Rochester; 2 sons, Stephen Cavanaugh, and his wife, Frances of Dover, NH; Thomas Cavanaugh, and his wife Lynley of Richmond, VA; daughter, Lori Cavanaugh and companion Rick Marchand, Rochester, NH; Grandchildren, Ryan Bubar, and his fiancee, Julia Caron, Kerry Ann Bartlett, Brendan Cavanaugh, Matthew Hooper, and Blair Cavanaugh; sisters-in-law Alice Cavanaugh, Keene, NH, Diane Staples and husband John, West Boylston, MA, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Father Dan Sinibaldi and many Parish Friends for their prayers and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Cornerstone VNA and Hospice, 178 Farmington Road, Rochester, NH 03867 or the Share Fund, 189 North Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867. Family and friends may visit Tuesday 1/8/13 (4-8pm) at the RM Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street, Rochester, NH. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 1/9/13 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Church, Lowell Street, Rochester, NH with Father Daniel Sinibaldi, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetary, Brock Street, Rochester, in the spring.

Richard Cavanaugh

April 25, 1934 - January 5, 2013