Worthington High Schools Alumni Club - Deceased Classmates
First Name
David P.
Maiden Name
Last Name
Cavanaugh
Passing Date
5/31/2026
Class Attended
Faculty
High School
Faculty
David P. Cavanaugh, Ph.D. passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026 at 90 years old with his loving wife by his side. David was born in Washington, Indiana on February 13, 1936 to the late John P. Cavanaugh and Mildred Cavanaugh-Foley. David was preceded in death by his brother, John, sister, Beverly Rose Westhafer, and brother-in-law, Paul Westhafer. He is survived by his devoted and cherished wife of 43 years, Marsha, sons David Jr. (Brenda) and Brennan (Lydia) and daughter, Katherine Leigh (Rob) Thurman. He was a proud grandfather to Alaric, Adrian, Chase, Elizabeth (Ellie), Jackson, Evan, Makenna, Brianna, Justin, Nathan, Lyndsie, Merinda, Cole and Kylee. He is also survived by several nephews and a niece. After graduating from Washington Catholic High School in Washington, IN in 1954, Dave turned down an offer of free college expenses and joined the United States Air Force. He served four years on active duty and four years in the reserve. He served as Administrative Specialist in the Strategic Air Command, Whitman AFB, MO, Saudi Arabia, and Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. Dave was very proud to serve his country and would often entertain his children and grandchildren with stories from his service. One of Dave's most cherished experiences to come from his time in the service was participating in the 2017 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He also looked forward each year to attending the different Veterans Day celebrations at his grandchildren's schools, where he proudly represented the service and sacrifice of his generation. After being honorably discharged in 1958, Dr. Cavanaugh earned degrees from Vincennes University, University of Dayton, Miami University and Walden University. He was president of his VU freshman class. Dr. Cavanaugh had a long and successful career in education. He taught U.S. History in high school (awarded the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Teacher’s Medal), was selected by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Ford Foundation and the Dayton Board of Education as an Administrative Intern. He subsequently served as Meadowdale High School Assistant Principal, Talawanda High School (Oxford, Ohio) Principal, Worthington High School Principal, School Superintendent of Deer Park City Schools and Adjunct Professor, University of Dayton. Dave left a lasting and impactful legacy on the students he taught and colleagues he worked with. He will be remembered fondly. While Dr. Cavanaugh enriched countless students’ lives throughout his career as a teacher and administrator, his impact extended beyond the classroom walls and into the field of education itself. He was one of the leadership practitioners involved in developing educational programs based on increased student learning. He published and consulted extensively, nationally and internationally, on Learning Styles. He was interviewed on Good Morning America by Hugh Downs. In addition to testifying before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Education, he was twice invited to attend the National Conference on Foreign Policy for Educators, first by Secretary of State Dean Rusk and later by Secretary of State William Rogers. He was named by The Executive Educator magazine as one of the 100 top school administrators in North America. Vincennes University selected him as Outstanding Alumni of the Year (1981). Upon retirement from education, Dave began another successful career in real estate. He started with Bob Webb Real Estate and ended his career as Vice President of the Coldwell Banker franchise of central Ohio. A lifelong learner, Dave embraced his second retirement as an opportunity to continue learning. He joined Program 60 at The Ohio State University and took classes on campus nearly every semester. Eventually, Dave served on the Program 60 Association Board of Trustees. Dave served as President of the Board of Trustees for 13 years. He enjoyed working with his team members on the board. While Dave took great pride in his professional accomplishments, some of his happiest years were those spent enjoying retirement with Marsha. Together, they shared a love of travel, visiting France, Italy, Ireland, England, and Hawaii. Special memories included playing golf at Old Head Golf Links in Ireland and scuba diving off the coast of Grand Cayman. They also looked forward to spending winters in Florida and making regular trips to Hilton Head each year. Dave was also an avid golfer. He played in the St. Brigid Knights of Columbus golf league and elsewhere with his sons, Dave Jr. and Brennan, and his son-in-law, Rob. Dave was a life member in the Knights of Columbus. Family was at the center of Dave’s life. He always loved having the children and grandchildren over for an afternoon of swimming and cookouts, and Easter egg hunts followed by Easter brunch. A highlight of the year was the annual Christmas Dinner gathering of the whole family, lovingly orchestrated by Marsha, to celebrate the holiday season. Dave was proud of his Irish heritage and researched and wrote a family genealogy which traced the family back to the first Cavanaugh, King of Leinster, in County Wexford, in the 12th century. His extensive research also allowed him to trace the branch of the Cavanaugh family from which his own family descended. A highlight of his life was being able to find and visit the grave of his great-great-great grandfather in Ireland. Dave's absence will be felt deeply by his family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a trusted advisor, a patient teacher, a gifted storyteller, and a constant source of wisdom and encouragement. His children and grandchildren will especially miss the stories, conversations, traditions, and guidance that enriched their lives for so many years. His example of lifelong learning, service to others, and devotion to family will continue to inspire those who loved him.
