Michael J. Cavanagh

Leominster - Michael J. Cavanagh died on December 12, 2024, in Leominster, after an illness. He was born on August 19, 1940, to the late Martin and Katherine (Barr) Cavanagh of Lancaster. He was a graduate of Lancaster High School in 1958, Worcester State College (BS) 1962, and University of Utah (MS) 1963. Michael was a Science teacher at Leominster High School from 1965 until his retirement in 1998.

He was an advisor to the Ski Club and several classes over the years. He attended student activities and supported students’ efforts in theater, music, sports and academic activities. Michael was a driver education teacher and then coordinated the LHS Drivers Ed program for many years. He worked part time at the Post Office in Lancaster for many years. Michael was a charter member of the Leominster Lions Club and remained an active supporter in their many community building activities especially their speech contest, involving High School students, and the peace poster contest, involving Middle and Elementary students. He worked on many of their fundraising activities for charitable causes. Michael was also active in the Retired Educators of MA, and the alumni association at the University of MA at Worcester. He was a member of the Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Leominster.

Michael and his wife of 46 years, Elfriede Goetz, thoroughly enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed visiting family in Germany, California and Michigan. Michael was a passionate fan of car races and traveled throughout the US to attend races. He was always interested and closely followed current news and weather.

Michael is survived by his sister, Ellen Aubuchon (Ernest) of Lunenburg and their children; Elizabeth Souza (Steve) and Mary Healy (Edward) both of Leominster. He is also survived by his sister Clare Breen (Jeremiah) of Fitchburg and their children; Patrick (Leeanna) of Groton and Sean (Benedict) of Berlin, Germany. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Stanton’s children; Daniel Cavanagh (Sherri) of Leominster and Julia Gionet (Mark) of Fitchburg. He is survived by his nephews, Robert and Bryan Goetz both of Michigan. 

He leaves 10 grand nieces and nephews, and sisters- in- law, Margaret Goetz of California and Jean Goetz of Michigan and many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Michael is predeceased by his wife, Elfriede Goetz, his sister, Mary Stanton, his nephew, Joseph Aubuchon, his brother-in-law, Rudi Goetz, and in-laws Joseph and Elfriede Goetz.

The family greatly appreciates the compassionate and dedicated care of the home health care workers of the French Connection.

His Funeral will be held from Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc. 109 West St. Leominster, MA with a Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Family of Nazareth Church, 750 Union St., Leominster, MA. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 17, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Leominster High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund at 122 Granite St. Leominster, MA 01453 or to The French Connection, 925 West Broadway, Gardner MA 01440

To Light a Candle, sign his guestbook, or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com

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