Donald Kanavy

Donald "Donny" Kanavy, 58, of Archbald, Pa., and the East Mountain section of Scranton, passed away Dec. 12 after a battle with Parkinson's disease. His former wife, Laura Bevlock Kanavy, remained one of his best friends and support systems during his illness and was there for him during his final moments.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Donald Kanavy and Jeanne Reill Kanavy. He graduated from Bishop Klonowski High School in 1981 and throughout his life carried fond and humorous memories of the time spent with high school friends. While completing his undergraduate degree in secondary education-biology at the University of Scranton he worked tirelessly at Moses Taylor Hospital first in the kitchen and then as an orderly to put himself through school. Donny took great joy and had many laughs telling stories of the antics he and his many friends shared. He took pride in his sense of humor and loved sharing this gift with those that loved him. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1986 and went on to complete his master's degree in administration and successfully received his superintendent certificate. Donny achieved all career goals. He was a science teacher at Scranton Tech, Mount Carmel Area, Delaware Valley School Districts and South Scranton Intermediate School. He served as assistant principal at Tunhannock Area Middle School and was a high school principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and superintendent at Valley View School District. In his career he always put the educational needs of students above all else and was respected and loved by the many lives he impacted. Donny also loved running and completed marathons and ultra-marathons accompanied by his running buddies which he looked back upon with pride and fondness.

Surviving are his children, Jake Kanavy (fiancée, Danielle "Danna" Kupchenko), Mitch Kanavy and Julia Kanavy, whom he loved with all his heart. Prior to his illness he had the opportunity to share with them his time (not enough of it), wisdom, experiences, coaching talents and multiple vacations (his favorite remained trips to Wildwood, N.J.). He is also survived by his former father-in-law, Frank Bevlock; former sister-in-law, Danielle Garnett (husband, Michael); nieces (Loran and Karly), nephews (Nicholas and Michael), cousins, aunts and uncles. The family is especially grateful to his cousins, Ryan and Carolyn, for taking on loving responsibility and understanding at a time when it was much needed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jeanne Kanavy; an infant sister, Paula; infant brother, Stephen; his beloved cousin, Phil Rader; and much-loved former mother-in-law, Loraine Bevlock.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all those that helped make Donny's final years and days comfortable, and filled with kindness and care including, Natalie, Kathleen, Annalise, Sue and the nurses (especially Stephanie and Iris), CNA's, and staff at Mountain View Healthcare Center and Geisinger Community Medical Center.

Donny was a man of great faith and found comfort during his illness, believing that in death his suffering would cease, and he would be reunited with the loved ones that passed before him. He had the opportunity to express that he lived a great life with many happy moments. He wanted to be remembered by all who knew and loved him as he was before his illness ... a loving husband, son and father, a superior educator, a loyal friend, a lover of dogs, and, as he put it, "a funny guy."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of the deceased to Rock Steady Boxing Northeast Pa. (a gym for patient's with Parkinson's disease), 1 Maxson Drive, Old Forge, PA 18518.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 429 Church St., Archbald. Interment will be in Cathedral Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday at the church from 9 to 10 a.m.

Arrangements by the Harrison Funeral Home, 374 N. Main St., Archbald.