Neil Cavanaugh

Neil Alexander Cavanaugh, age 76, died at home in Green Bay, Wisconsin on August 6, 2024. 

Neil was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts to Thelma and John (Jack) Cavanaugh. He was one of five brothers. He served in the Army and was stationed in Okinawa Japan. After his tour of service he chose to live near older brothers in the San Francisco Bay area. It was there that he fell in love with and married Jill Becker. By trade Neil was a “phone man”. He began his phone and cabling career by working as a lineman in California then moving to Wisconsin to work with the local phone company. Shortly after moving to Wisconsin, he became his own boss and started Telephone Services Unlimited. 

Neil felt more alive outdoors. He spent time outside working, fishing, hunting, putzing, sitting on his porch, watching lightning storms and playing fetch with his dog. He was a loving dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. His granddaughters called him “Grampa Ho Ho”, friends called him “Banana Head”. Neil would give you the shirt off his back, sleeping space on his couch or supplies for a project, what he had, he shared. Neil was a storyteller. He could conjure an idea, mull it over long enough, then present the idea so convincingly that most would believe it. When Neil caught a nice fish, it was…THIS BIG. When he hunted with his dog Bud; Bud would have flushed out 15 pheasant even if there were only 5 as Neil would follow up with “Well there were 10 more over there in the longer grass”. If you took the time, he had a story. 

Neil didn’t always filter his words nor worry about what others thought of his actions, he lived his life as he chose. Neil was proud, loyal, honorable, loving, compassionate for those who suffered and his heart ran deep. 

Neil is survived by his brothers Dean, Jack and Mike, daughters Jenny (Andy) Spude, Emily Ighzawi, chosen “son” Justin Larson; Nephew Neil (Sara) Cavanaugh; family friend Jeff Mose; Grandchildren/nephews Katie, Tess, Saif, Dean and Owen. Neil is preceded in death by his parents, niece Shauna Cavanaugh, brother Dan, former wife Jill Becker Cavanaugh. A celebration of life for Neil and Shauna will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Quality Inn & Suites in the Nicolet Room located at 321 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301 from 1:00- 7:00 pm. 

We rest believing you found your peaceful lake, stocked heavy with unlimited bait at your side. Until next time, C Ya, Love Ya, Me.