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1947
Earl
2026
Earl Lawrence Cavanaugh
August 12, 1947 — February 2, 2026
Earl (Larry) Cavanaugh August 12, 1947 – February 2, 2026
Larry passed away in the early hours of February 2, 2026, at his home from Bulbar ALS, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Music was the through-line of Larry's life. He taught himself piano using guitar chords, and by 1965 he was already playing his first professional gig — backing Ernie Veer in Shannon, IL. While stationed in England with the Air Force, he fronted a rock band called the Ragged Edge, which served as the warm-up act for Johnny Cash during a USO visit, and later led The Tune Twisters as rhythm guitarist and lead singer, performing at London venues including the Red Lion and The Nashville Room. Back in the States, he played with Rockford groups The Lancers and Somerset, supported visiting artists like Ernest Ashworth, and appeared as a guest performer at Buckwheat's Blues Club in Corvina, CA.
In 1977, encouraged by his wife Linda, Larry founded the Musical Express — originally featuring his father, Earl Cavanaugh, and close friend Don Johnson. The band performed over 4,000 shows across Illinois and Wisconsin over four decades before Larry retired in 2017. He continued performing solo at local clubs until 2020 and volunteered weekly playing piano in the atrium of OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, bringing comfort to patients until shortly before his passing.
Beyond music, Larry built a full professional life — working as an Electrical Inspector at Barber Colman, then spending over 20 years as a salesman at Ideal Uniform. He later joined OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, first as a valet and then in Guest Relations, where he found deep fulfillment in making every patient feel welcomed and cared for.
Larry shared over 50 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Linda, and their daughter, Laurie (Cavanaugh) Ruck. Linda passed away in 2022, and Larry missed her dearly until his own passing.
A Celebration of Larry's Life will be held on April 18, 2026, from 2 to 5 pm in the conference rooms on the main floor of OSF St. Anthony in Rockford, IL. All are welcome to share stories and memories.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ALS United in support of those battling this devastating disease.
Larry passed away in the early hours of February 2, 2026, at his home from Bulbar ALS, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Music was the through-line of Larry's life. He taught himself piano using guitar chords, and by 1965 he was already playing his first professional gig — backing Ernie Veer in Shannon, IL. While stationed in England with the Air Force, he fronted a rock band called the Ragged Edge, which served as the warm-up act for Johnny Cash during a USO visit, and later led The Tune Twisters as rhythm guitarist and lead singer, performing at London venues including the Red Lion and The Nashville Room. Back in the States, he played with Rockford groups The Lancers and Somerset, supported visiting artists like Ernest Ashworth, and appeared as a guest performer at Buckwheat's Blues Club in Corvina, CA.
In 1977, encouraged by his wife Linda, Larry founded the Musical Express — originally featuring his father, Earl Cavanaugh, and close friend Don Johnson. The band performed over 4,000 shows across Illinois and Wisconsin over four decades before Larry retired in 2017. He continued performing solo at local clubs until 2020 and volunteered weekly playing piano in the atrium of OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, bringing comfort to patients until shortly before his passing.
Beyond music, Larry built a full professional life — working as an Electrical Inspector at Barber Colman, then spending over 20 years as a salesman at Ideal Uniform. He later joined OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, first as a valet and then in Guest Relations, where he found deep fulfillment in making every patient feel welcomed and cared for.
Larry shared over 50 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Linda, and their daughter, Laurie (Cavanaugh) Ruck. Linda passed away in 2022, and Larry missed her dearly until his own passing.
A Celebration of Larry's Life will be held on April 18, 2026, from 2 to 5 pm in the conference rooms on the main floor of OSF St. Anthony in Rockford, IL. All are welcome to share stories and memories.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ALS United in support of those battling this devastating disease.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Earl Lawrence Cavanaugh, please visit our flower store.
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