Rodney Allen Cavanaugh, 54

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Rodney Allen Cavanaugh, 54, died Thursday, Jan. 18, at his residence.
He was born March 8, 1952 in Youngstown, the son of Doris and Frank Cavanaugh and grew up in Canfield.
Dr. Cavanaugh joined Plattsburgh State University’s special education faculty in the Center for Educational Studies and Services in 1992. Prior to his career in higher education, he worked in public schools for 15 years and taught adolescents with learning and behavior disorders. He earned both his Ph.D. and master of art degrees from The Ohio State University in applied behavior analysis and special education, He earned his bachelor of science degree from Bowling Green State University of Ohio in special and elementary education.
Professor Cavanaugh’s research, which resulted in numerous publications and presentations, focused on effective teaching strategies for learners with disabilities and teacher-as-researcher models in education. He was an active member of the Association for Behavior Analysis and the Council for Exceptional Children. He was also a contributing member of a variety of committees at Plattsburgh State. In 1995, Dr. Cavanaugh was named New York State Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Rodney Cavanaugh enjoyed the North Country and the opportunities it offered to hike, kayak, ski, fish and hunt. His favorite hunting buddy was his dog, Sam. He was also an avid fan of P.S.U. hockey, Ohio State football and the Cleveland Browns.
He is survived by his parents, Doris and Frank Cavanaugh of Canfield; his wife, Judy Cavanaugh of Plattsburgh, to whom he was married for 30 years; his sister and brother-in-law, Coleen and Ted Dunchak of Canfield; and his niece, Megan Dunchak of San Francisco.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Canfield Methodist Church in Canfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Rodney Cavanaugh be made to Hospice of the North Country, 43 Durkee St., Suite 200, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 or to a scholarship that is being established in his name at the Center for Educational Studies and Services, Sibley Hall, Plattsburgh State University, Plattsburgh NY 12901 in care of Kathleen Whittier, Special Education Department chairperson.
Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel is handling the arrangements.