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John Canavan Obituary
John Peter (Jack) Canavan, 67, of Dumont, N.J., died on Sunday, May 16, 2010. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Jack Canavan passed away peacefully at home in the company of his wife of 42 years, Russetta. He courageously fought for nearly four years against an extremely rare form of kidney cancer. Jack is survived by his wife, Russetta (nee Madison), son Peter (and his wife, Susan) of Larksville; daughter Theresa (and her husband, John) of Springfield, Va.; daughter Dolores, currently residing in Libreville, Gabon; and grandsons Austin, Carson and Pierson Canavan and Alexander Ewing. He is also survived by his brother William of Dumont, N.J. Jack was a true Renaissance man and possessed a deep philosophical mind, as well as a generous spirit who touched the lives of many who knew him. Jack retired from the New York City Department of Sanitation in 2002. His varied career included teaching at Fordham Preparatory School, Hunter College and Dwight-Englewood school. He was founder and director of the South Bergen Center for Cultural History. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Dumont, N.J. The family will receive friends today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Frech Funeral Home, Dumont, N.J. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Civil War Preservation Trust, PO Box 17686, Baltimore, MD 21297-1686.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Canavan
5 Entries
Becky Kotsinis
June 7, 2010
Dolores, Theresa, Mrs. Canavan, Peter and Family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you and praying for you as each of you mourns in your own way.
Mark King
May 26, 2010
Theresa and John, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. He really does sound like a true Renaissance man who lived a very full life surrounded by the people he loved.
Russ & Dana Rutan
May 26, 2010
Theresa & John, we are sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Felicia & Saul Kalbfeld
May 20, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and wish we could have known this very special man. Dolores you, your siblings and their children are his legacy. We know how exceptional and accomplished you are...Now we know why.
Thomas Duffy
May 19, 2010
Peter and Susan,
Sorry to read about your loss. From his obituary it sounds like he certainly lived a fullfilling life and touched many.
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