Sean Patrick Cavanaugh

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of Sean Patrick Cavanaugh, who passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2026, shortly after his 56th birthday, surrounded by memorabilia from his years of proud service to his community.

A man of countless stories and endless laughter, Sean was the life of every party. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will forever remember his generous heart. He was a good man, and that is how he will be remembered.

Sean treasured every friendship, as the keepsakes he left behind so clearly show photographs, ticket stubs, newspaper clippings from the Finest vs. Bravest tournaments, and plenty of Powerball tickets. Unfortunately, those tickets were the only things in the collection that weren’t winners.

Born on October 18, 1970, in Saratoga Springs, Sean was the son of David Cavanaugh and the late Barbara “Bobbie” Cavanaugh. He grew up in Spofford, NH, spoiled rotten by his loving mother, who we are certain wrapped her arms around him when he came home. Sean proudly served his community for 30 years as a police officer, firefighter, and EMS provider with multiple departments. Being a pillar of his community was one of his greatest joys.

Sean had a particular fondness for banana pudding and Laffy Taffy. Though he lived with diabetes, he never lost his love of a sweet treat. His Irish heritage also held a special place in his heart.

Sean is survived by his children, Payton Emma Cavanaugh and Liam Regis Cavanaugh; Liam’s wife, Sarah Cavanaugh; his granddaughter, Saylor Mae Cavanaugh; his father, David Cavanaugh; and his brother, Brendan Cavanaugh and his wife Corey, and their four children.

He also leaves behind an extended family and countless friends whose lives will forever hold a missing piece. There are not enough pages to name everyone who loved him or to describe the many lives he touched.

Services will be private at this time. Sean loved a party, and his only request was an Irish celebration of life filled with song, stories, family, and friends. Since we can’t book the Dropkick Murphys in a week, please keep your calendars open for a celebration this summer—his favorite season.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Sean's memory to the Frontline Foundation (frontlinefoundations.org), 1 Hospital Court, Suite 11, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, for first responders faced with PTSD and mental health struggles.

How do you sum up the life of a man loved by so many? You can’t.

We close with an Irish blessing he held dear:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may

God hold you in the palm of his hand.

And, in his own ever-so-eloquent words:

“Peace, I’m outie.”