Russell David "Rusty" Cavanaugh

7/6/1959 - 5/31/2025

New London - Russell "Rusty" David Cavanaugh, 65, passed away at home Saturday, May 31, 2025 in New London. Rusty was born July 6, 1959, in New London, to Eugene Russell and Gilda Diana Diamantini Cavanaugh.

He attended Harbor School, St. Joseph's, Saint Bernard's, and Mitchell College. He served the community in the New London Police Department beginning in June 1984 as supernumerary, hired as patrol in October 1985, promoted to sergeant in July 2005, retiring after 36 years in June 2022.

Rusty met Yvonne in 2009, they married in 2014, officially bringing together their families. She surrounded him with her love and light through his passing. He is survived by Yvonne, Megan and Matthew Zucker, Sean and Jacqueline Cavanaugh, Alex and Katherine Elwood, and Eric and Danielle Elwood. He adored his grandchildren, Isabelle, Elwood and Jack Cavanaugh, who will hear fun stories of Papa for years to come. Along with his immediate family, he is survived by sister, Pamela and Jeff Muttart; and brother David and Melissa Cavanaugh. He is also survived by niece Kristina and Dan Coughlin, and their children, Chase and Kendall; nephews Matthew Muttart and Chase Knepp. His extended Cavanaugh, Diamantini, Hancock and Stoddard families will long remember their cousin Rusty. He also leaves behind Jeffrey Kalolo, decades long coworker and, more importantly, his best friend. Rusty is predeceased by his father Eugene Russell Cavanaugh; and mother Gilda Diana Diamantini Cavanaugh; cousin Linda Hancock Donohue; and grandparents, Angelina and John Diamantini and Madeline and Jack Cavanaugh.

All who knew Rusty will remember that family laugh and his Cavanaugh pride, his sense of humor, and his love of playing guitar. He was active in local bands from high school until just a few years ago, playing venues including Mohegan Sun Wolf Den.

Our family is deeply appreciative of Dr. Jason Haldas, Kristen, Anna, and the entire medical team at Smilow Cancer Hospital, Waterford, who have supported and cared so well for us for the better portion of a decade and a half.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Avenue, New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday, June 7, in St. Joseph's, 149 Montauk Avenue, New London. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the City of New London Police Department, 5 Governor Winthrop Blvd., New London, CT 06320 Attention: New London Animal Control.

"May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields. And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." The world as I know it changed with the passing of my guy, Rusty, last night.