John Joseph "Jack" Cavanaugh III

Jack Cavanaugh (John Joseph III) died peacefully on August 21, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. Born in Pittsburgh on St. Patrick's Day 1945, he graduated as Valedictorian from Wilkinsburg High School in 1963 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and Masters' Degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University and later an MBA from the University of Delaware.
Soon after accepting a job offer from the Foam Division of Scott Paper Company, he married his 2nd Grade true love, Nikki Miller, a teacher, and together they bought their first home in Wallingford, PA. Ten years later they welcomed their beloved daughter Caitlin. Then in 1984 they moved to their present residence in Swarthmore.
After a full career in the corporate world, Jack found his true happiness in facilitating the rebirth of the Swarthmore Co-op and the establishment of the Swarthmore Farmers' Market.
Anyone who knew Jack appreciated his passion for travel, food and wine. He was an excellent chef who passed his tips and techniques on to many friends and community members. He truly loved family traditions: barbecues, Sunday dinners, and elaborate holiday meals. In addition to annual summer trips to Avalon, he and Nikki traveled with many friends all over the country and around the world. His love of photography captured these travels.
He will be dearly missed by Nikki, Caitlin, his sister Linda Pavlik, and his two beloved grandchildren Jackson and Everly Voycik, along with his many, many loyal friends.
An open-house celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, September 29, between 2:00-5:00pm at the Community Arts Center in Wallingford. Friends of Jack and the family are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please support your local businesses, particularly the Swarthmore Co-Op.