Francis Joseph Cavoto, 82, of Harrisonburg VA, loving husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Francis was born in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania to Dora and Tony Cavoto on February 6, 1943. He graduated from Catholic University (BA) and The Citadel (MA).
Francis had a long and storied career in service. He entered the seminary at age 13 and after ordination as a member of the Third Order Regular Franciscans, he served as a parish priest and educator. After leaving the priesthood, he remained committed to education and taught elementary through high school classes, even some ESL classes. He most valued his work as an educator in the Virginia prison system, from which he retired in 2009 after 25 years of service. There he helped design and administer programs for incarcerated people that taught them life skills to build hope, confidence and success upon release. Following his retirement, he taught similar skills to first-year students at Blue Ridge Community College for 10 years.
He married Michele Garand, who survives, on November 7, 1992, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Harrisonburg, VA. He is also survived by their daughter, Rachel Cavoto; his sister, MaryAnne Barnicle; his beloved in-laws; many special cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Francis is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Cavoto.
A gathering of friends and family will be held from 3 – 6 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. This will be an informal opportunity to greet family, share stories, remember and honor the wonderful man that Francis was.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Harrisonburg, with Father Silvio Kaberia officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank by visiting, www.brafb.org; or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Food Bank, 154 N. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801.
The family of Francis wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Cardiac and Renal teams at Sentara/RMH and to Sentara’s Hospice Team for guiding us through this difficult time.