Henry Kavanaugh Sr.

HENRY J. KAVANAUGH, SR. A longtime resident of Santa Fe was called to his eternal home on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Nicholas and Henrietta Kavanaugh, the patriarchs of a tight-knit, pioneer family which was comprised of 10 children. Against his mother's adamant wishes, Henry conspired with his father to sign the necessary paperwork so that he could enlist in the U.S. Navy at the age of sixteen during World War II. He proudly served his country aboard the USS Biloxi and participated in nine major battles. His ship was one of the first to enter Japanese waters. He was awarded the Victory World War II Ribbon and the Third Fleet Citation. After the war, Henry pursued his education at New Mexico Highlands University and then became employed as a chemist with the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He retired from LANL after a successful 40-year career. He had many accomplishments during his career. After his retirement, he was employed by the First Judicial District Court as a bailiff where he proudly served many of the local judges. He loved his job with the court and was highly respected and appreciated by all of the judicial staff. It was during his early years at LANL, that a beautiful, young Espanola girl caught his eye. It probably didn't hurt any that Henry drove a Cadillac and was exceedingly handsome. He courted and proposed to the former Isabel Rodriguez. She said yes and they married in May 1956. His devoted wife, Isabel, survives him. They were blessed with five sons, all of whom reside in Santa Fe: Henry; Karl; Paul (Karla); Gary and Timothy. Their second son Karl is a longtime resident at a local nursing home and Henry was a devoted, faithful father who lovingly assisted Isabel in Karl's daily care. He is also survived by three granddaughters and one grandson: Roxanne, Jayme, Karley and Garrison. Karley was his "pollita" and the beat in his heart. He had two great-grandsons, Damon and Jesse Mente. Of special mention is his God-daughter, Christine Romero, who doted on her Nino and always made him feel very special. Besides his parents, Henry was also preceded in death by his brothers: Louie, Nick, Jr., Joe and Ernest; and two sisters, Josie Garcia and Margie Sena; as well as his beloved father-in-law and mother-in-law Vianes and Josefina Rodriguez and his brother-in-law Joseph Larry Rodriguez. He is also survived by his brothers, Hector (Las Vegas) and Arthur (Albuquerque); and his sisters: Dora (San Raphael, CA) and Tita (Albuquerque); as well as many nieces; nephews; cousins; friends and the family of his wife with whom he shared a very special relationship: Elias, Ernestine, Carlos, Exilda and Lucy; very special friends: Dorothy, Cindy, and Joanna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Henry's memory be made to charities that help children. A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church in Santa Fe. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at the same church on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)984-8600