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Richard Kavanagh Obituary

KAVANAGH, RICHARD J., 65, died Tuesday, February 23, 2016. He was the beloved husband for 40 years of Donna L. (Henningson) Kavanagh and son of the late Daniel and Mary Lou (Fitzgerald) Kavanagh. Richard was a physed teacher with the Cranston School Dept. He taught at Park View, where he met his wife and the George J. Peters Elementary School, where the gymnasium was recently named in his honor. He was currently teaching at CCRI. He was active in Warwick youth athletics. Richard threw the hammer while Ohio University, and was proud to coach his sons who both received college scholarships. He was the devoted father of Matthew M. Kavanagh (Laura) and Ryan J. Kavanagh (Melissa) and was the loving grandfather of 5. He was the brother of Daniel Kavanagh, his twin, Diana Murphy, Joyce Guilfoyle, Linda Pullano, Mark Kavanagh, Eric Kavanagh and Paula Malmstrom. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 10 am in St. Benedict Church, Beach Ave. Interment will be private. Visiting hours Friday 4-7 pm in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Memorial contributions to RI Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, or Dana Farber Cancer Research, will be appreciated. Information and condolences, visit TheQuinnFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Feb. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kavanagh

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Cheryl Waldman

March 1, 2016

There are not enough words that could express my deepest sympathy to you Donna and your boys. The loss of such a wonderful man, husband and father is truly heartbreaking. I wish you all strength through this difficult time.

February 28, 2016

Dear Donna and family,
So sorry to hear about Rick's passing. He was such a great person and fabulous teacher whom the kids all loved. May your beautiful memories warm your heart.
~Connie Manzi

February 27, 2016

Dear Kavanagh family,
I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Kavanagh was my swim coach in high school and he was a great influence not only in swimming. He taught us how important it is to work hard and set goals. My two kids are now swimming because of his influence.
John Bauer

February 27, 2016

Dear Donna, Matt and Ryan-I was so sorry to hear about Rick. I often inquired about him [through Dale] after our chance meeting at RIH [second floor]. Now-two of the 'good guys' taken from us!
The boys and I send our condolences to you and your family.
With love,
Donna Morris
John and Greg

Andy and Sue Giangrande

February 26, 2016

Donna, Matt, and Ryan, we are heartbroken to hear of Rick's passing. We will always remember his wonderful smile and the imprint he's left on all of our hearts. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in your wonderful memories. Love you

Richard Vincent

February 26, 2016

Another tough loss for our GROUP.
Thankfully, we have fun and happy memories, with Rick, of our golfing trips up north. God
Bless you, Donna, and your family.
Dick Vincent

February 26, 2016

Dear Donna and all the Kavanagh family,
As a fellow Edgewood (Sullivan) family, we all knew each other and have lovely memories of times growing up. My children, Marcie, Michael and Molly had many wonderful years of Gym classes with you both. We are saddened with your loss, but know he is in the arms of the Lord.
Marian Sullivan Parkhurst

Dick Moore Kristin Patterson

February 26, 2016

Dearest Donna, Matt, Ryan, Grandkids, and of course Jack and Dale. Dick told me of Rick's passing, and we are both so sorry for your loss. There are no words to express the sadness of losing a loved one. Lean on each other, and let all the great memories ease the pain.
Our love and sincerest condolences to you all,
Dick Moore
Krissie Moore Patterson

Tom Falcone

February 26, 2016

Linda, Lou, Joyce and the entire Kavanagh family...it is with deep sadness that I learned of Rick's passing. My condolences go out to you all at this very difficult time.

Michael St. Angelo

February 26, 2016

Donna,I'm so sorry to hear of Richard's death.
Mike St. Angelo

Joe Scichilone

February 26, 2016

To the Kavanagh Family:
Teacher, Swim Coach, Friend. Mr. Kavanagh was , by far, the most influential teacher I ever had. He will be missed.

Evelyn Baker

February 26, 2016

Sorry to hear of the lost of your beloved husband and father. I don't know who had more fun when on Halloween Rick dressed up as the Jolly Green Giant for George J. Peter,s physical education classes. As a fellow teacher , I saw Rick put real joy into learning.

Naomi (Elmore) Prestly

February 25, 2016

My heart goes out to you all. Mr and Mrs Kavanaugh were mine and my sisters gym teachers. I loved you both. My prayers go out to you Mrs Kavanaugh and your family.

February 25, 2016

Dear Linda and family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. His pain is gone and he is at peace.
May his memories warm your heart and mind.
Always,
Lorraine Lonardo

valerie mattatall

February 25, 2016

So sorry to hear that Mr K has passed . I went to Parkview he and Mrs K were my gym teachers ,great person . prayers for the Kavanagh family.

February 25, 2016

So sorry for your loss!!! The neighborhood won't be the same.
The Picard's

Doug Covill

February 25, 2016

Sorry for your loss, My condolences go out to all of the Kavanagh Family and Friends

Jeffrey Duclos

February 25, 2016

With my deepest condolences to the family of Kavanagh, I will keep all of you in my prayers. Mr Kavanagh was a friend, coach and mentor to the children of the City of Cranston. He made such an impression on me every time I met him. What a great man, I will miss him.

February 25, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I have known K family since grade school. He will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely Liz Spelman/ RIchards

Denise Kendrick

February 25, 2016

So sorry to hear of Mr K's passing ! He was in my eyes the best gym teacher PV school ever had!Prayers for Mrs K and her family !!

David Ricci

February 25, 2016

So sorry for your loss, Mr.K was awesome. I had him while I was at Park View.

charlene Paskoski

February 25, 2016

Dear Donna and family,
I was sorry to read of Rick's death. I went to St. Xavier's HS with his sister, Diane. May he rest in peace and you receive comfort.
Sincerely,
Charlene Reilly Paskoski
Narragansett

Jon Choiniere

February 25, 2016

Donna, I know for certain that we never lose the ones we love, even in death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. May peace and comfort find You, Matthew, and Ryan during this difficult time.

Brian Quinn

February 25, 2016

Great teacher,better person.Although it has been over 35 yrs since Park View,I still remember how kind Mr.K was,God Bless.

Ken Simone

February 25, 2016

My deepest condolences...Rick was one of a kind and someone who always made you feel special when you spoke to him. While I know he will be sorely missed, our memories of Rick will keep smiling and laughing forever.

February 25, 2016

Just wanted to say so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.
Mr.K,was a awesome gym teacher. All 3 of my children had him at G J Peters Elem School.
and they loved him!

Jennifer Coulter-Ribeiro

February 25, 2016

Mr Kavanagh made a great impact on me at a tough time in my childhood. He was always available to talk to and that was greatly appreciated. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing

Frances Maroni

February 25, 2016

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and father. I remember him as a great guy and a lucky man when he married Miss Henningson.

February 25, 2016

To the Kavanagh family I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr.K , with fond memories as my P.E. teacher at Park View. You all are in my prayers . Susan Margeson Rinehart

Theresa De Luca / Colardo

February 24, 2016

Donna, my sincerest condolences to you and your family...I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope your many memories of 40 years can bring all of you some comfort.

February 24, 2016

Dear Paula and Family
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your brother.

Sincerely
Rose Marie Pullano

Sheri Andrews (Blair)

February 24, 2016

Matt, Ryan and Mrs. K:
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I trust that you have many happy memories to share. Thinking of you all at this time.

Judi Weiner-White

February 24, 2016

My condolences to the entire Kavanagh family. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

Sue McGrath

February 24, 2016

Donna and family. So sorry to read of Ricky's passing. May he rest peacefully. Joe and Sue McGrath Waterbury CT

Joe May

February 24, 2016

Dear Family of Ricky,

Ricky was a great guy, teacher and athlete. It was an honor to work with him in the Cranston School System and at CCRI.

Joe May

February 24, 2016

We are deeply saddened to learn of the
passing of your husband, Donna. Please
accept our most sincere sympathy at this sad time - May the wonderful memories you have of the good times with him, remain with you forever. May he rest in peace. Lillian and Jack Clegg, Naples, Florida

February 24, 2016

I am so saddened to hear that Ricky has passed on. I will remember him always as a trustworthy, thoughtful, playful, loving, friend. My thoughts are with his family during this sad time. Sincerely, Maureen Melone

February 24, 2016

To all the Kavanaughs,
I was very surprised and sad to hear of your brother's passing. Ricky had the greatest sense of humor of anyone in the old neighborhood. He must have been a terrific teacher. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. My thoughts are with all of you.
Bob Sukle, Aurora, Colorado

Cindy Piez-Pacheco

February 24, 2016

Oh Donna, I just saw some posts on FB.. I had no idea.. Bill and I both send you heartfelt condolences on your huge loss. Good memories of time at Galilee Beach Club. I'm sure your mom is welcoming him with open arms.❤

Anthony Kingma

February 24, 2016

Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending love from my family to yours.

Ken and Pat Best

February 24, 2016

Donna,
We are so sorry to hear about Rick. Our prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.

Janice Place

February 24, 2016

Donna-- So sorry to hear of this terrible loss to you and your family!

February 24, 2016

Donna, I can't tell you how sorry I am to learn of your loss. You are a dear friend. How much our garden club members enjoyed Rick's tours of his tomato garden! He gave us wonderful and hopeful memories. Nancy Rowett

Anahid K. Varadian

February 24, 2016

Donna: Having been classmates of your mother and father, I and my husband Haig who became Principal of Park View admired the commitment you and Richard personified as teachers. Richard inspired many on the playing field in sports as well as in the classroom. My condolences to members of the Kavanagh and Henningson families.

Joanne Spaziano

February 24, 2016

Donna, Ryan, and Matthew
I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained an angel. Your Dad will always be with you in your heart and only a whisper away. May God bless you and console you and May you know Dad is rejoicing with the Angels. love, Joanne Spaziano

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