CAPE CORAL FL - It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mr. Francis Cavanaugh, age 73 of Cape Coral FL and formerly Waterbury, say farewell for now, to our beloved brother and uncle following his peaceful passing on June 22, 2026 at the Hope Hospice House in Lee County, FL.

Fran was born on July 27, 1953, in Waterbury CT, a son of the late Deputy Fire Chief Thomas B and Eileen (Shea) Cavanaugh of Waterbury. He was educated in local schools, graduated from Crosby High School and was a dedicated police officer for the Borough of Naugatuck for over 25 years, retiring at the rank of Detective. An avid fan of both the NY Yankees and Giants. Fran was also a great admirer of Nascar especially Dale Earnhart Sr.. He loved music ,especially the band Chicago and Stevie Nicks. He had a great interest in NASA, especially the Space Shuttle and Astronomy. Fran leaves behind a legacy which will live on through the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the loved that he shared. May he find eternal rest and peace beyond measure and may he never be forgotten.

Left to honor his memory are his siblings: retired Chief James Cavanaugh (WFD) and his wife Iris, Timothy Cavanaugh and John Cavanaugh (WFD Ret) all of Waterbury and his sister Mary Ellen Squatriglia and her husband, Bill of Naugatuck, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins along with his brother and sister police officers. Fran’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Jim and Dana Proulx and Tony and Anthony Fabiano for the wonderful care and companionship they shared during Fran’ illness. You will never be forgotten. Francis was predeceased by his brother, Thomas James Cavanaugh, USMC who was tragically killed in service to his country in Vietnam in 1968.

Funeral services for Mr. Cavanaugh will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mary Mother of the Church, St Leo the Great Church 15 Bentwood Dr Waterbury CT. Burial with full police honors will follow in Old St Joseph’s Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Francis’ family on Tuesday, July 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m.until the procession leaves for church at 10:30 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main St Waterbury CT 06705. To honor Francis’ memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Waterbury Police PAL 64 Division St Waterbury CT 06704 would be greatly appreciated by his family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Francis to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.