Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Anthony Cavanagh

1930 - 2018

Thomas Anthony Cavanagh obituary, 1930-2018, Phoenix, AZ

FUNERAL HOME

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 East Indian School Rd.

Phoenix, Arizona

Thomas Cavanagh Obituary

Thomas Anthony Cavanagh

Phoenix - Thomas Anthony Cavanagh, 88 years young, peacefully passed away on December 22, 2018 at Hospice of the Valley surrounded by the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Vickie Carr. He was born in Chicago on September 19, 1930 to Bert and Mary Cavanagh. He had three brothers, Harry Cavanagh, John Cavanagh and Eddie Cavanagh, and two sisters, Peggy Knoell and Mary Ann Mitcham. The Cavanagh clan moved to the Valley of the Sun in 1940 and made Phoenix their forever home.

Tom attended St. Francis Xavier elementary school and proudly attended St. Mary's High School, a fact he frequently shared with anyone who asked. He went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a degree in Business Management. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Korea for four years. During his time there, he was the designated pilot for Syngman Rhee, President of South Korea. Tom flew many missions, many of which he was never permitted to speak about; he served his country with great devotion. While off duty, when he needed some extra spending money, he was the official typing teacher for anyone on the base. Tom truly was a multi-faceted, talented guy.

His love for flying continued after his service. He flew with his family, friends and co-workers. He flew dignitaries, such as senators, congressmen, and judges, to attend political functions all over the country. Whoever needed flight service, Tom was happy to oblige.

Upon returning home from Korea, he began his career in real estate. Hired as a salesman with Staggs Homes, in a very short time he became the Sales and Marketing manager. It was here that he truly found his place in the business world. After several successful years with the company, Tom went into business with his brother-in-law, Frank Knoell. Frank managed the Construction division and Tom managed the Sales and Marketing division. Together, with all of the talented and dedicated sales people and craftsmen, they built the legacy of Knoell Homes.

In the late 1970's, Tom decided to go out on his own and open Tom Cavanagh & Co., successfully building semi-custom and custom homes in the Valley for over 20 years. He was a long-standing member of the Arizona Home Builders Association, having served as a board member for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds; it was one of his greatest joys.

Tom was one of the original members of Arizona Country Club, a place that was very special to him. It was here that Tom became a proficient tennis player and golfer, something he often shared with those that asked, and even those that didn't.

He was a genuinely charitable and generous person, but in a very quiet and unpretentious way. Catholic charities, Sisters of the Poor, Father Wasson & NPH, Boys & Girls Club of Phoenix were a few of his favorites.

Tom leaves behind his loving family; his wife of 64 years, Cathie Cavanagh and his four remaining children, Laurie Helgeson (Grant), Colleen McGuire (David), Meg Murphy (Brian) and Tim Cavanagh (fiancé Vivian) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gone before him are his mother and father, his three brothers and his eldest son, Eddie, who passed away in March 1979.

"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His Hand".

The Visitation for Tom will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2018, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 28, 2018 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to your favorite charity. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Cavanagh

Sponsored by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





Denise Romans 15:33 Andrews

January 1, 2019

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Luke 1:78

December 31, 2018

Dear Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort during this most difficult time.

McCarthy

December 31, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences to the family
and friends. Losing a loved one in death is never easy.
May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. (John 17:3).

Pam Aguilu

December 28, 2018

Cathie, Lauri and family,

Mom is out of town, or else she would surely be at the church for Tommy's funeral Mass.

She and my father, Ralph Trompeter, had many adventures in the 60's with Tommy & Cathie. She's always spoken of them with love.

Imagine the joyous reunions in heaven and Irish songs being song.

May God bless you all.

Pam Trompeter Aguilu

December 27, 2018

My condolences to the family. May your hearts find comfort in the words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 a wonderful hope of seeing your loved ones again.

John Clark

December 27, 2018

Have a safe journey my friend, you will be missed.

December 27, 2018

My condolences to the family. May Almighty God give the strength and comfort that is needed during this difficult time.

Jan Cross

December 26, 2018

Dear Cathie and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Because of working with Harry for more than 15 years, I came to know Tommy well. I will never forget his infectious laugh, his LOUD golf pants and his generous heart. May God pour out His abundant grace on the family and give you comfort in the days ahead. Fondly, Jan (Forrister) Cross

December 26, 2018

Dear Cathie and Family,

So sorry for your loss...

Tom was a wonderful Uncle to the extended Robinson family of Helen, Agnes, Winifred and Margaret.

Many fond memories...

Wendy (Pauli) Toft
Phoenix. AZ

Cindy & Jerry Burnett

December 26, 2018

We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Filling your heart with fun memories will help soften your sorrowful time.

Jeff and Beth (Misfeldt) Rons

December 26, 2018

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Cavanagh's entire family. Tommy was proud to be a Knight and a Sun Devil and loved sharing sports stories and bagging on the Wildcats. Often surrounded by his life long friends, classmates and fraternity brothers, the laughter and banter from the group of successful and prominent Valley business men was always infectious.
My father-in-law was a fraternity brother of Tommy's at ASU and a lifelong friend. I always enjoyed my opportunities to join them for tailgating, business events and gatherings...lots of laughs always, but more so lessons of success, fulfillment and the assistance to others along the way.
No doubt, many here are mourning Tommy's departure but it should make one smile knowing how many of his longtime friends, business partners, fraternity brothers and others who left before him will celebrate and embrace his arrival. Rest in Peace would be cliche, Tommy rarely rested...
Cheers Tommy!!
Let the stories and laughter begin!

December 26, 2018

Very sorry for the lost of your loved one May God the hearer of prayers comfort you during this difficult time and give you strength. 2 cor. 1:4

V T

December 26, 2018

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May Mercy and Peace and Love be increased to you.

December 26, 2018

My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. Psalms 90:10

December 25, 2018

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1.

December 25, 2018

I am extending my condolences to the family of Mr. Thomas Anthony Cavanagh a truly remarkable man . May the entire family find peace in knowing that God cares for you and will help you during these difficult times. 1 Peter 5:6,7

P.H.

December 25, 2018

I am deeply sorry for your loss. May your family find a measure of comfort from the loving promise of seeing our dear loved ones again (1Thessalonians 4:13,14). Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.

December 25, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

D Brown

December 25, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family. Grief can be so hard, but special memories help us cope and may the comfort of knowing God has the ability to fulfill his promise sustain you. (Isa 33:4)

Earnie Ray

December 25, 2018

My deepest sympathy to your family . May you keep in mind the hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time . John 17:3

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Cavanagh's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Thomas Cavanagh

Dec

27

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

Dec

28

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

St. Theresa Catholic Church

5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Cavanagh's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more