John T. Cavanaugh

Cavanaugh, John T.

John T. Cavanaugh, age 80, a lifelong Manitowoc resident, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 at the Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center, with his family at his side.

John was born Feb. 14, 1934 in Maple Grove, a son of Al and Mary (Kirby) Cavanaugh. After graduating in 1952 from Lincoln High School, he enlisted in the U. S. Army serving overseas in Germany & England. On Jan. 19, 1957, he married Gail Peterson at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Manitowoc. John was employed for many years with Wisconsin Fuel & Light, retiring in 1999. He loved coaching basketball at St. Paul's & baseball at Sacred Heart for many years; he also enjoyed playing softball and dartball, and watching all sports. John always loved cheering with his Irish Comrades on St. Patrick's Day!

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Gail Cavanaugh; five sons & seven grandchildren: Greg (Pam) Cavanaugh, and their son, Matthew of New Berlin, Brian (Debbie) Cavanaugh of Manitowoc, Jeff (Jill) Cavanaugh, and their children, Andrew & Jack of Manitowoc, Brad (Clarice) Cavanaugh, and their children, Karina & Bradley of San Antonio, and Quinn (Jenny) Cavanaugh, and their children, Shea & Ashlyn of Wrightstown. John is further survived by two sisters, Margy Friedland of Manitowoc and Alice Baryenbruch of Green Bay; one brother & two sisters-in-law, Robert (Luanne) Cavanaugh of Manitowoc, and Jane Cavanaugh of Florida; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters: Rosemary (Bob) Vandecastle, Rita (Jim) Mrotek; twin sister: June (Jim) Gallagher; three brothers, William (Athalene) Cavanaugh, Edward Cavanaugh, Harold Cavanaugh; two brothers-in-law, Arthur Friedland and Richard Baryenbruch; and his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Leslie & Sylvia Peterson.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2015, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Grand, 1416 Grand Ave., Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be Rev. Dave Pleier, with inurnment of his cremated remains to take place at the Calvary Chapel Mausoleum, Manitowoc. Military graveside rites will be accorded by members of Amvets Post #99 of Manitowoc.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Grand, after 9:30 a.m. Friday morning until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m. There will be no Thursday evening visitation.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th St. Two Rivers is assisting the Cavanaugh family with funeral arrangements.

The Cavanaugh family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Lorraine Jackson and the entire nursing staff at Manitowoc Health & Rehab that lovingly took care of John for the past 7 1/2 years.