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Joseph Kavanaugh Obituary

Joseph F. Kavanaugh Jr.

AGE: 82 • Somerville

Joseph "Joe" Kavanaugh, Jr. was born in Bound Brook, NJ and raised in Somerville, NJ where he was a longtime resident before moving to Martinsville in 1981. He was a master plumber who served on the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers and for over 60 years owned and operated Kavanaugh Brothers Plumbing and Heating with his late brother Senator Walter J. Kavanaugh. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Joe was an active member of the Somerville Rescue Squad and received the honor of their Lifetime Achievement Award for over six decades of service and leadership. Joe progressed through the squad ranks holding almost every elected title. He went on to serve all the New Jersey squads at the state level with the New Jersey State First Aid Council. Joe served as the State Council's 5th District Vice-President from 1972-1976. In 1978 he was elected as the Central Area Vice-President until 1980. In 1981 and 1982 Joe became the President of the NJSFAC and was responsible for over 450 volunteer first and rescue squads in the State of New Jersey. Joe and his brother were instrumental in passing the legislation that led to the formation of the State Police Aeromedical Program that has saved countless lives over the past 25 years. The NJ First Aider license plates on the roads of NJ were an initiative of his as well. He led the "March on Trenton" that heralded the voice of the volunteer squads to the state capitol, believing that volunteer, not paid, service was a value in aiding and saving the lives of others. He continued on as NJSFAC Assistant Treasurer from 1984-1988. Joe was an exempt fireman with Lincoln Hose Co. #4 and also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Knights of Columbus. Joe's love of country, community and service was only second to his love of family. He blessed his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family with warmth, encouragement, laughter and unconditional love. His bright smile assured him that he would never meet a stranger. He was a living example of his motto, "Be a leader and not a follower." He was a quintessential gentleman and will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his wife JoAnn who died in 2009 and brother Senator Walter J. Kavanaugh. Surviving are his beloved children; daughter Colleen Kavanaugh, his sons Joseph F. III and Daniel and two grandsons of whom he was so proud, Sean and Parker.

Prayers will be 9am Tuesday at the Bruce C VanArsdale Funeral Home, 111 No. Gaston Ave. Somerville followed by a 10 am mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater. Visitation will be 2-4pm & 7-9pm Monday at the funeral home. To follow his example of helping others, Joe would find it fitting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Somerville Rescue Squad, 21 Park Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876. To send condolences to the family, visit www.brucecvanarsdalefuneralhome.com

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

Published by Courier News from Oct. 12 to Oct. 13, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kavanaugh

Not sure what to say?





Leah Infanger

December 11, 2013

What a great man. Very down to earth and lay back. When ever we were at the pool he and Aunt Joanne would come in and just hang. He was always smiling. He will always be in our hearts.He was always Uncle Joey to the neighborhood kids. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Colleen, Joseph and Daniel.

Shaz Amos-Leffler

October 19, 2013

May you rest in peace Joseph F. Kavanaugh Jr.
May the Angels keep you safe and happy. We will be here to comfort your beloved son Joe and grandson Sean-Francis.
All our love,
Shaz, Dan and Tsavo Amos-Leffler. Xxxxxx

Shaun Bigelow

October 15, 2013

Joe, you were a great man. You always new how to make us smile. you were a man of many words and I always loved talking with you. You have helped and saved countless lives over the years. You stories of the past will be missed. I know you are home with the lord and I hope and pray you rest in peace. God bless all and I'm so sorry for yuor loss.

Cyndy Reardon

October 14, 2013

We'll take it from here Sir, rest now. Thank you for your service.

October 14, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

October 13, 2013

Sorry to hear about your father. I always enjoyed him smiling and waving to me as he went down the street.
Carol Eichhorn

October 13, 2013

Thinking of you all. Beautiful tribute.
Love,
All on fawn lane

Michelle La Fleur, Immaculata High School Class of 1998

October 12, 2013

Dear Dan and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.

Dorothy Devlin Kotalic Family

October 12, 2013

Coleen, Joseph, and Daniel,

A fine man has passed away and will be missed--our sympathy goes to you. Words seem rather inadequate at a time like this, but perhaps knowing your friends are thinking of you will be a comfort.
Will be away Tuesday but want you to know you will be in our many thoughts and prayers.
Thinking and sharing with you in your great loss--

Love and God bless always!

Dot Devlin Kotalic and Family

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Funeral services provided by:

Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home

111 North Gaston Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876

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