William J. Cavanagh

William (“Bill”) J. Cavanagh, was born on September 25, 1945, in the Bronx, New York. He passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at Our Lady of Mercy Nursing Home in Guilderland, New York. A beloved father, grandfather, and proud retired firefighter, Bill lived a life marked by devotion to family.

Bill dedicated twenty years of his life to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), serving with Engine 46 during an era when “the Bronx was burning.” He took tremendous pride in his role, often sharing vivid stories of camaraderie and competition between fire companies from his time in the 1970s and 1980s. His career also included opportunities to train new members, passing on his extensive knowledge and experiences.

He was not only committed to his work but also cherished his family deeply. Bill's love for his children was immeasurable; he made it a priority to attend every cross-country and track and field meet they participated in during high school. His grandchildren knew him as a doting grandparent, keeping every drawing they made for him as treasured keepsakes. His wife, Mafil, was the center of his universe. Their cherished marriage of 46 years was filled with shared walks and evenings spent watching the news and game shows together. He cared for her lovingly until her passing in January 2020.

Bill’s formative years were spent in the Bronx, where he attended St. Anselm’s Grammar School and later earned his high school diploma from Mount St. Michael’s Academy in 1963. He fulfilled a promise to Mafil by pursuing higher education at Herbert H. Lehman College, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1977.

Bill served his country with honor after being drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. He loved the structure of the Army and fondly remembered the commanding officer that he served under in South Korea and Vietnam.

An individual larger than life, Bill was well known for his gregarious personality and Irish wit. He had an innate ability to connect with others, effortlessly striking up conversations with strangers and proudly sharing stories of his children's accomplishments. His generosity was evident in his everyday interactions - Bill was a known over-tipper when dining out and he enjoyed providing both solicited and unsolicited advice to friends and family alike. In addition, Bill had a love for Ireland, reflecting on fond fishing trips with his father. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, like listening to “the oldies” music, exploring new restaurants with family, and taking leisurely walks with Mafil both in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, and in his new neighborhood in upstate New York.

Bill Cavanagh is survived by his son Daniel Cavanagh and daughter-in-law Erica Cavanagh (granddaughters Hope, Faith, Madelyn, and Everly); daughter Shannon Mastrangelo and son-in-law John Mastrangelo (granddaughter Nicolina and grandson John); and daughter Tracy Cavanagh. He will also be lovingly remembered by Kate Dull, his trusted nurse & honored family member. Bill was preceded in death by his father William H. Cavanagh, mother Delia Cavanagh, and beloved wife Mafilda Cavanagh.

The visitation for William J. Cavanagh will be held on June 22, 2025, at Applebee Funeral Home in Delmar, New York, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a prayer service from 11:30 AM to 12 PM.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, William preferred that a donation be made in his wife Mafilda’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The link is https://www.lbda.org/donate/