Francis J. Kavanagh

Francis J. Kavanagh, 91, longtime Auburn resident and proud Irishman, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with his loving family by his side.

Frank was born in Annaghdown, County Galway, Ireland, son of the late James and Julia (Melia) Kavanagh. He was raised and educated in Ireland, spending his formative years in the country he loved. After immigrating to the United States, he met the love of his life Mary Coyne.

Frank and Mary were married on his 33rd birthday and the rest is history. The pair moved to Auburn in 1972 where they raised their family. It was a place of warmth, love, laughter, and all things Ireland, to remind them of where it all began. Gifted athletically, Frank played for many Gaelic Athletic teams in Ireland and in the US. Frank's career included 33 years of dedicated service at Mass Electric/New England Power/National Grid until his retirement.

He leaves his wife of nearly 59 years, Mary M. (Coyne) Kavanagh; his devoted children, William F. Kavanagh and his wife Kristen, of Philadelphia, PA, and Mary McGrail and her husband Matthew, of Auburn; his four grandchildren, Nicholas and William Kavanagh, and Conor and Molly McGrail, all of whom he adored; his loving siblings, Mary Ellen O'Meara, of Whitinsville, and William "Willie" Kavanagh, of Claregalway, his brother-in-law, Al Jacques, of Grafton; and his nephew James O'Meara and his wife Leann of Northbridge; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Frank was predeceased by his sister, Catherine "Kitty" Jacques; his brother-in-law, Augustine O'Meara; and sister-in-law, Bridie Kavanagh.

Frank was a devout Catholic, steadfast in his faith in God, and was an active member of St. Joseph's Parish in Auburn. He was also a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Parish, 194 Oxford Street North, Auburn, MA 01501.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Kavanagh family from 4 – 7 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Frank's funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Wednesday February 11th at St. Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn, with entombment to follow at St. John's Mausoleum in Worcester.