Francis R. Cavanaugh

Age 84, of Braidwood, IL passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, IL. Born on May 26, 1939 in Rockville Township, IL to Daniel and Mary (nee McGrath) Cavanaugh. He graduated from the Wilmington High School with the Class of 1957 and then served in the United States Air Force. On May 28, 1960 he married JoAnne Frost and together they made their life and raised their family in Braidwood. He retired from Caterpillar Tractor in Joliet after 40 years of service. A member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Braidwood, he also was a previous board member of the Braidwood Recreation Club and coached Little League Baseball. Francis was an amazing person who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He shared his affinity for gardening, homemade wine, jelly, and tomato juice. Francis’ family enjoyed his stories of growing up on a farm and best places to see from his many trips to visit family and friends in Ireland. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and his strong Catholic faith. Surviving are his wife of nearly 64 years, JoAnne Cavanaugh; daughter, Sheree (Chris) Earley; sons, Frank (Kelly Yax) Cavanaugh and Scott Cavanaugh; six grandchildren, Brian (Teri) Earley, Frank (Nichole) Cavanaugh, Brandon Cavanaugh, Courtney (Piotr) Szczerba, Kyle Cavanaugh and Amanda (Ryan) Sorg; six great-grandchildren, Grace and Ryder Francis Wesley Cavanaugh, Brennan and Bryson Sorg and Caroline and Gwendolyn Szczerba; special brother-in-law, Jim Frost; brothers, Bill (Kax) Cavanaugh and Ray (Kay) Cavanaugh; sister, Mary Schott; sister-in-law, Shirley Cavanaugh; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Daniel and Mary Cavanaugh; mother-in-law, Jessie Frost Berg; father-in-law, Hubert Frost and Richard Berg; brother, John Cavanaugh; sister, Kathleen Gatlin; nephew, John Cavanaugh; nieces, Marnie Wyatt and Catherine McClure; and great-nephew, Cole Cavanaugh. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:00 am. with Father Joshua Miller officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Wilmington, IL.

Francis R. Cavanaugh

May 26, 1939 - March 29, 2024

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Francis R. Cavanaugh

May 26, 1939 - March 29, 2024

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