Donald R. Cavanaugh

Donald R. Cavanaugh, 92, of Greensburg, died Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Weatherwood Manor, Greensburg.  He was born on February 21, 1934, in Greensburg, a son of the late Harry and Mary (Gaborko) Cavanaugh. 

Don's story started in the seventh grade at Ludwick Elementary School when he realized that he had a passion for two things, sports and a tiny dark-haired girl who would become the love of his life, Tillie Cavanaugh. He always said that in seeing her for the first time that it was love at first sight! They would start dating a couple of years later and from that point forward they would never leave each other's side. They married in 1955 and remained married for 58 years until Tillie's death in 2013. High school sweethearts that initiated a lifetime of love and devotion.

Don was a gifted athlete who could pick up any game and excel at it. He was a three-year starter and all-section basketball player at Greensburg High School. In his senior year he convinced his parents to allow him to play football, where he became a two-way starter, an All-WPIAL selection and receive All-State honors. He would go on be offered fifteen Division I scholarships. He had stops at both Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, but he quickly realized that his heart was in Greensburg and he returned home and got married and never looked back.

He was an amazing father, grandfather and friend to so many people. He loved going to watch his children and grandchildren participate in their sports and activities. He was a devout fan of Greensburg Salem sports, and you would always see him standing along the fence at Offutt Field or sitting in the stands at basketball games. In addition, he loved playing golf and finishing his round with a cold beer. His was a life that was truly well-lived!

Don was a US Army Veteran and prior to retirement, had valiantly served his community as a Police Officer with the City of Greensburg Police Department and then as an Investigator for the Westmoreland County Bureau of Domestic Relations. He was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Greensburg.  Additionally, he was a member of the VFW Post #33, The Hilltop Club, and the Roosevelt Club.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Tillie E. (Erickson) Cavanaugh; four siblings and their spouses, Clyde Cavanaugh (Jean), Elmer Cavanaugh (Irene), Russell “Peach” Cavanaugh (Lou), and Gladys Stouffer (Donn); a nephew, Ken Cavanaugh; his parents-in-law, Walter “Swede” and Louise (Brown) Erickson; a sister-in-law, Yvonne (Erickson) Fleegle; a brother-in-law, Sonny Erickson; and two very special life-long friends, Joe Rause and Clem Pantalone. 

Don is survived by his son, Casey Cavanaugh (Cheri), of Greensburg; his daughter, Buffy Tooch (Phil), of Greensburg; two grandsons, Cory Cavanaugh (Anna) of Pittsburgh, and Cade Cavanaugh of Greensburg; and several nieces and nephews, including his very special niece, Connie Dzendzel (Nick). 

Friends will be received from 3 to 7 PM Wednesday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg.  Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 246 S. Main Street, Greensburg. Please go directly to the church.  www.bachafh.com

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