Robert Cavanagh's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Andrew Cavanagh, 95, left us for his heavenly home on Sunday, January
25, 2026. Born September 25, 1930, to Ignatius and Ila Mae Cavanagh, Bob was a
lifelong resident of Auburn Township, Ohio. Bob devoted his life to his family, his friends
and farming. He was a member of Saint Helen’s Catholic Church and later in life
attended the Auburn Community Church. In the past year, Bob enjoyed several home
visits with Fr. Jay McPhillips of Saint Helen’s. Bob was an avid Cleveland and Ohio
State sports fan. He was involved in and held leadership positions for many agriculture
related organizations over the years, including ASCS, 4-H, Ohio Holstein Association,
and National Holstein Association.
Bob graduated from Auburn High School in 1948. He served as class vice-president
and class treasurer, was in the class play, worked on the yearbook, was an 8 year 4-H
member and played basketball, baseball and football. In 2024, Bob was honored by the
Auburn Township Trustees at the Auburn School Dinner as one of the oldest living
alumni of Auburn School.
After attending Kent State University and serving in the United States Air Force, Bob
married his high school sweetheart, Agnes Zoffian on October 9, 1954. Together they
raised three children and operated Cavanagh Farms, developing a prized herd of
registered Holsteins and making top quality maple syrup. A proud accomplishment for
Bob and PJ was breeding Miss Cavanagh Liza Fury who went on to score Excellent 94-
3E and make over 240,000 pounds of milk in her lifetime. In 2006 he was inducted into
the Geauga County Maple Hall of Fame. Agnes preceded him in death in 1994.
On August 19,1995, Bob married longtime friend and neighbor Rae Button expanding
his family to include Rick and Debbie Blankenship (Rae’s daughter), their two children
Jodi and Nick and the memory of Rae’s late son Billy. Bob & Rae enjoyed fifteen years
together, doing some traveling and wintering in Florida where Bob was always fixing
things for others.
In addition to his parents, his wives Agnes and Rae, Bob was preceded in death by an
infant son, and granddaughter Jodi Blankenship. He is survived by his sons, Mike
(Karen) Cavanagh and P.J. (Ruth) Cavanagh, daughters Debbie (Rick) Blankenship all
of Auburn, Chris (Mark) Sayers of Marysville, and several grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Geauga County Department on
Aging-Home Delivered Meals, 12611 Ravenwood Dr. Suite 200, Chardon, OH 44024.
A gathering will be held Monday February 16th from 1-2pm at Adam Hall Community Center 11455 Washington St. Auburn Twp. A memorial service will follow at 2pm.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?