Mr. Robert "Bob" Francis Cavanaugh, age 66, of Middletown died on Thursday, October 11, 2012, at Kline Hospice House, Mt. Airy. He was the husband for just over 41 years of the late Elizabeth "Betsy" Ellen (Baxter) Cavanaugh who passed away on January 12, 2011. They were married on November 28, 1969 in Chapel #1 at Lowry AFB, Denver, CO. Born on February 5, 1946 in Des Moines, IA he was the son of the late Romuald and Marie Cavanaugh. Bob was a 1963 graduate of Trinity Preparatory Seminary, Sioux City, IA and a 1967 alumnus of St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA. His MA degree was from Chapman University, Orange, CA. Bob's thirty year career in education was interrupted with a four year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Bob taught English for two years at Frank L. Smart, Jr. High, Davenport, IA and twelve years at Middletown Middle School. He was a Maryland State Department of Education Teacher Certification Specialist for Frederick and Washington Counties for seven years. His last five years were spent implementing a gifted and talented program at West Frederick Middle School. Bob's "second career" was a memorialist at Lough Memorials. Bob was a founding member and active parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Community in Middletown. He was the first social member of Hollow Creek Golf Club. Bob enjoyed golf, tennis, his poker club and entertaining in his home bar "The Duck Blind". His passion was travel - much of it being done via his armchair. Mr. Cavanaugh is survived by his two sisters, Helen Nolan of Bluffton, SC; Susan Rinehart and husband Lester of Prospect, KY; and a brother John Cavanaugh and wife Diane of Sullivan, IL. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his best friend and wife Betsy, he is additionally preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Linda Cavanaugh and a brother-in-law Terry Nolan. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 15, 2012, from 2 to 4pm, at Holy Family Catholic Community, 7321 Burkittsville Road, Middletown, MD 21769 where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00PM. Monsignor Robert J. Jaskot and Father John Moore pastor emeritus will co officiate. The interment will follow at the Christ Reformed United Church of Christ Cemetery, Middletown. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701 or by going to www.cffredco.org for the endowment fund established by the Cavanaugh estate to provide scholarships, as well as financial aid for students going to college that have graduated from Middletown High School or to Holy Family Catholic Community at the above address. Contributions are tax deductible. Arrangements are by the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, Frederick, and those wishing to sign the online guest book may do so by going to www.keeneybasford.com.
