Lee Earl Cavanaugh

Lee Earl Cavanaugh passed away suddenly in a collision on January 31. His last moments were spent doing something he loved, riding his bicycle with the Florida sunshine on his back.

Lee was born September 21, 1951 in Johnstown, PA where he had deep family roots. He graduated from Westmont Hilltop High School, Class of 1969, then began undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Lee graduated from the University of Pittsburgh main campus where he earned bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science and later an MBA.

Lee spent much of his career self-employed in health care management and tax preparation services until finding his new love of financial advising. He founded and was President of Financial Freedom Innovations, Ltd. where he worked diligently everywhere he went (do you know your freedom date?).

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pearl, and his brother Bobby. He followed their examples daily and never feared the day when his circle of life would close and he may see them again. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Jaci, and four children: To first wife Pennie; Liza (husband Bob) and Lauren (husband Ray). To Jaci; stepson Brad (wife Steff) and Matt (fiancé Erin). He was also the very proud Pappy to three cherished grandchildren, Spencer, Bella and Calista. His family was his greatest love and achievement.

Lee was a Pittsburgh sports fanatic, rarely seen without a shirt proclaiming his allegiance to all things black and gold or to his Pitt Panthers. He loved history and politics and had a goal to read a biography of every American president in order (made it to #34). He also loved great music, naps, mission work, Morro Bay, laughing at jokes, traveling, watching movies, visiting with people, being surrounded by family, and attending all of his grandkids’ sporting events, dance recitals, and concerts. His soul resides at Ledo Lodge on his beloved Lake Stonycreek.

A celebration of Lee’s life will occur this summer. To honor his memory now, pour on the Iron or make a donation to one of the following: in honor of granddaughter Bella, March of Dimes (marchofdimes.org/donate); to support his favorite team and his favorite city, the Mario Lemieux Foundation (mariolemieux.org/make-a-donation); or to support emergency personnel and veterans, Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org/donate).

To all who loved him, remember this: Someday we’ll all be gone. But lullabies go on and on… They never die. That’s how you and I will be.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.