William J. CAVANAUGH

CAVANAUGH, William J.

William J. Cavanaugh, 88, of Timbercrest Drive in Canton, beloved husband of Kathleen (Almand) Cavanaugh, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, (January 16, 2012). He was born November 15, 1923 in New York City, son of the late Martha (Conroy) Cavanaugh and Music Hall of Fame Songwriter, James Cavanaugh, who was a noted composer from the 1920's to 1960's. Bill had lived in West Hartford prior to moving to Canton 28 years ago. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the US Air Force as pilot and bombardier in the European Theatre (460th Bomb Group, 761st Squadron). Bill was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Air Medals, two Presidential Group Awards and six European Battle Stars. He was president of several businesses including Jafco Ltd, HTF Corp and Arts Intl. Bill was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Collinsville and also a former member of St Catherine's Church in Simsbury. Bill was a Fellow of The Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell University and a member of the Military Officers' Assn of America, Smithsonian Legacy Society, St. Anthony's Assn and St. Jude Children's Hospital. Besides his loving wife Kathleen, he is survived by close family relatives and dear friends who will sorely miss Bill Cavanaugh - an example of why we call his generation the "Greatest Generation."
Family and friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton on Friday, (January 20, 2012) from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral will be Saturday, (January 21, 2012) 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Collinsville. Burial with military honors will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit Bill's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.