Douglas B. Caveney

Doug Caveney, passed away on July 12, 2025 after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. He departed peacefully at his home in Lansing, NY surrounded by his loved ones and his dog, Cassie. Doug touched the lives of many around him with strength, resilience and unwavering spirit. Despite facing the challenges of his illness, he remained a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew him.

He was born on September 22, 1946 in Ithaca, a son of the late Benjamin and Clara (Scott) Caveney. A lifelong area resident, he was a graduate of Ithaca High School and retired after a 40 year career with the Cornell University Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABEN). He served honorably with the US Air Force from 1965-1971, and was stationed for a time in Thailand. In earlier years he worked for Hi Speed Checkweigher, and was a "hands on master of everything" !

Colleagues wrote of Doug that he worked "in the ABEN Research Shop where he breathes life into all those engineer-type ideas by fabricating pieces to go with parts that go here and there and end up shaking apple trees, spraying pesticides, measuring motions, testing qualities, pruning grapevines, and you name it, Doug does it.” In addition to his research shop duties, Doug helped organize the department’s annual chili party and cook-off, and was known by all who attended for making a delicious chili.

In his younger years, Doug built and raced cars and took many cross country trips on his motorcycle. He took various trips with his family to the Adirondacks, Western US, and Ireland. He loved kayaking and canoeing, completing the 90-Mile Adirondack Canoe Race multiple times. A passionate amateur baker; he loved trying out new recipes and baking for the Bethel Grove Men’s Prayer Breakfast he attended every week.

He is survived by his wife, Susan (Dempsey) Caveney; children Arin and Ben Caveney, all of Lansing; a sister, Carol Lavelle, of Seward, Nebraska; brother, Kenneth Caveney (Jennifer), of Cortez, Colorado; several nephews, nieces and in-laws.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Friday, July 18 at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Ave., Groton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, July 19 at the Bethel Grove Bible Church 1763 Slaterville Road (NYS Rt. 79), Ithaca, with Pastor Matt Raley officiating. Private interment will be in Brookton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, donations are graciously recommended to the Caroline Food Pantry https://carolinefoodpantry.org/ a. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.shurtleffservices.com.