Daniel Kavanagh

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Daniel Patrick Paixao Kavanagh of Framingham. Lovingly known as Danny or DK.  We lost him at age thirty-three on September 16th, 2022, as a result of an auto accident. He was headed West to Wyoming, adventuring with a lifelong friend. 

Daniel is beloved son of Ilma Paixao and grandson of Paula Das Dores Nascimento; brother of Melissa Kavanagh; son and stepson, respectively, of Frank Kavanagh and Maria Da Cunha Kavanagh; cousin and nephew of many loved ones both here and in Brazil; and dear friend to countless others.

Throughout his life Daniel left his mark on the hearts and in the lives of a wide circle of friends and strangers from all walks of life. He enjoyed the freedom of his bicycle as a boy, he rarely missed a day of school, and he enjoyed team sports. He smiled contagiously, loved french fries (but not the fancy kind), and found great joy, adventure, and peace in the outdoors. He participated in the sacraments and brought fun to his religious education classes.  As a kid, Sunday morning donuts encouraged his timely Mass attendance. He grew to become a man who found comfort and meaning in his faith.

Daniel was resolute in his values. In all his activities, he prioritized relationships over outcomes.  Always people over things or social conventions. In his work life, he was adept at restoring things that were worn down or no longer functioning as they should. He approached problems in novel ways that caught his clients, and even veteran tradesmen, by surprise.  He took pride in a job well done. 

His was an empathetic soul. By the time he could talk Daniel sought after the welfare of those on the periphery of social circles - the migrant newcomer, the teammate on the end of the bench, the lonely, the heartbroken.  Danny experienced inner torments, yet he usually helped make any room he entered a little brighter, a little more loving. The darker the room the more penetrating the light. For all his talking, he was an even better listener. Daniel shared a gift of creating a safe space for others in their times of anxiety, vulnerability, or loneliness.  His hugs were consoling. He looked on other people without judgment, shining his light on their goodness in an effort to help it shine from within themselves. 

A heartfelt thank you to each of you who helped bring out his best.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours at the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St. (corner of Union Ave.) Framingham on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 5-8PM.

His funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 10AM at St. Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly St. (Rt 135, Framingham.) Burial to follow at St. Tarcisius Cemetery (Winthrop St., Framingham)       

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ron Burton Training Village, P.O. Box 2, Hubbardston, MA 01452 https://www.ronburtontrainingvillage.org/donate

To leave a message of condolence and to sign the online guestbook please visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com

"Ad majorem Dei gloriam."