Louis ( Lou) Cavanna
September 22, 1926 - December 28, 2023
Louis (Lou) Anthony Cavanna
Loving husband, father, son, brother, Poppi, and Great-Grandpa.
With deep sorrow the family of Louis A. Cavanna announces his passing on December 28, 2023, at the age of 97. A lifelong resident of Stamford, CT most recently resided in Wilton, CT.
Lou was the first of two children born to Julia and John Cavanna on September 22, 1926. He had one sister Teresa (Aunt Tess).
Lou graduated from Stamford High School in 1944. Upon graduation at the age of seventeen he enlisted in the US Navy during WW2 and spent 2 years mostly in the Philippines and Pearl Harbor. He was assigned to PT boats which patrolled the coasts off the islands of Mindoro, Mindanao, and Samar. When the war was over his Navy life ended. He attended the University of Connecticut on the GI bill. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. His first job was with Dupont at their Savannah River plant in South Carolina for 3 years before moving on to a different position in Augusta Georgia. He went on to work at the Port Authority of NY and NJ for 35 years. His responsibilities included planning the electrical grid of the future World Trade Center in NY, and then planning, financing, and renting space within the World Trade Center towers. He was also heavily involved in the planning and building of the lower deck of the George Washington bridge.
Lou was also a member of the St. Leo’s Parish in Stamford, CT where he served as lectern and was also a member of the St. Leo’s seniors club. He also enjoyed time in the Sterling Farms men’s golf league and Stamford men’s club. In addition, he was a volunteer for meal on wheels, the American Red Cross, and the Cancer society.
Lou was married to the Love of his life, Jane Elizabeth Tooher also from Stamford, CT for 60 years. Together they raised two children, Beth Marie, and Christopher. Lou attended with Jane countless events for their children and grandchildren, whether it be sporting events, music events, plays, recitals, and graduations. In addition, there were many vacation memories in New Hampshire, Florida and Newport, Rhode Island.
In January 2003 Lou suffered a major stroke that left him partially paralyzed for the rest of his life. After a brief rehabilitation he was back to his normal self and continued to exercise as best he could even at 97 saying “he needed to exercise more to get his heart rate up.” After his stroke Louis and Jane moved to Edgehill Independent living facility in Stamford, CT, followed by the Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, CT and finally the Wilton Meadows skilled nursing facility. At 93 he faced his next challenge acquiring Covid in April 2020. True to his character he fought through it and was released from the hospital/ rehab center about a month later. Would like to thank all the caretakers throughout his life that gave him the encouragement to keep plugging along.
Lou leaves behind to cherish his memory, daughter Beth (Cavanna) Kinsley and her husband Tony of Fairfield, CT, son Christopher Cavanna and his wife Wynne of Northborough, MA, sister Teresa Napoletano
of Norwalk, CT, and 6 grandchildren: Matthew and his wife Kimber, Sara, David and fiancée Megan, Nicholas and his wife Bryanna, Doug and Holly. He also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Brooke Marie Kinsley. Lou was known to his grandchildren as Poppi the fun-loving grandpa with an enthusiastic sense of humor. His attributes made him a role model for all of them and will live on in their lives.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 13th at the Thomas M.Gallagher Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue Stamford, CT from 9 to 10:15. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated after at St. Leo’s church, 24 Roxbury Road Stamford, CT at 11 a.m., followed by his Burial at St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Louis Cavanna to the Wounded Warriors organization.
To send condolences to the Cavanna family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com