by Mansfield, CT — Nearly two decades after he disappeared on Christmas Eve in 2004, the identity of human remains recovered from Mansfield Hollow Lake has brought long-awaited closure to the family of Robert Cavanaugh, a father of four remembered for his warmth, spontaneity and unwavering love for his children.
A Father Remembered
For Teresa Cavanaugh, memories of her dad come vividly through shared moments outdoors — fishing, gardening, long drives and sports adventures he often planned at the last minute.
“The first thing most people say is how much he loved his children,” Teresa said.
The long-haul truck driver made it a point to involve his kids — Teresa, Diana, Luke, and Joseph — in his travels, sometimes sneaking them into his truck during the summer to embark on cross-country trips. Kansas City Royals games were a frequent destination.
“He was king of putting together the last-minute trip,” she recalled. “We’d drive out to Kansas, watch a Royals game, and drive back.”
The 2004 Disappearance
Cavanaugh vanished on Dec. 24, 2004, leaving behind what police described as a suicide note. Despite extensive searches, including investigations around local waterways and wooded areas, authorities never located him.
Detective Ethan Tanksley with the Connecticut State Police said the family never gave up hope of finding answers. They routinely checked in with local departments, followed unidentified remains cases, and remained in contact with investigators.
“His children never gave up,” Tanksley said. “They always made the phone calls.”
Breakthrough at Mansfield Hollow Lake
In October, police recovered human remains at Mansfield Hollow Lake, just miles from where Cavanaugh was last seen. After analyzing medical history, physical indicators, and personal details, investigators believed the remains were likely his.
A critical key came from a DNA sample Teresa had provided years earlier, which confirmed the match last week, officially closing the missing person case.
“We couldn’t be 100% without that DNA profile,” Tanksley said. “His children really helped give their father a name again.”
A Family’s Grief, and Long-Awaited Answers
While the loss of a parent never truly fades, Teresa and her siblings expressed gratitude for the closure, as well as for the compassion shown by everyone involved in the investigation — from detectives to divers to the medical examiner’s office.
“They were just the most kind, compassionate, sensitive people,” Teresa said. “We can’t thank them enough — not only for the work they did, but how they treated us along the way.”
The family said their father’s memory continues to guide them, especially in the way they raise their own children.
“That was our dad’s passion — watching us do the things we loved,” Teresa shared. “We’re doing the same with our own kids now.”
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A Message About Mental Health
The Cavanaugh family hopes Robert’s story encourages others to take mental health seriously, and to seek support when loved ones show signs of struggle.
They emphasized that even people who appear joyful and fulfilled outwardly may be fighting internal battles.
“Someone can seem like they’re living a fulfilling, happy life, but still be struggling on the inside,” Teresa said. “Our goal is to spread awareness and support anyone who’s struggling.”
Honoring a Loving Father
The family will hold a private funeral, choosing to keep Robert’s memory personal and close to heart. Teresa says she and her siblings are committed to living out his kindness, generosity, and devotion to family — values he demonstrated every day.
“He was a kind, compassionate human being who would do anything for anyone,”
she said. “That’s who he truly was.”
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