Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Kavanaugh Obituary
URBANA – John Robert Kavanaugh, 63, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2015, with his family at his side.
John was born June 23, 1952, to Raphael J. and Marie (Brassel) Kavanaugh in Urbana, Ohio. He attended Saint Mary School in Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School. After living in Florida and Texas he returned to and remained in Urbana. He was a Master Dog Trainer and completed studies at Sinclair University in computer technology. Being a steadfast Irishman, John found great joy in fishing, sailing or boating of any kind. He was a good cook and looked forward every fall to challenging recipes for chili cook-offs. His passion was for dogs, and music, especially guitar. He has taken with him many happy memories of music sessions enjoyed with talented friends who shared his enthusiasm and fun. Most important to him was spending time with family and his good and loyal friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Kevin; and brother-in-law, David Paul. He is survived by sisters, Karen Paul of Cincinnati, Mary Ann Kavanaugh of Urbana, and Cynthia (Robert L.) Max of Urbana; also, nephews Sean (Teresa) Strapp, Matthew Max, Daniel Paul, and Patrick Paul; nieces, Julia Paul and Laura Max Lane (Jonathan); great-nephews, Ryan Strapp, Connor Strapp, and Andrew Max; great-neice, Elizabath Max.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mercy McAuley Center: to Amy Knotts who provided outstanding guidance and reassurance, to the nursing staff and aides who not only provided care, comfort and compassion, but also tender friendship to John and the family. Also immeasurable thanks to Community Mercy Hospice whose total support through knowledge, sensitivity and assertive skills eased John's suffering and helped console those who loved him.
John's long-time wish was to be a donor in the Willed Body Program. A memorial Mass is planned for Aug. 22, 2015, 2 p.m. at Saint Mary Church, Urbana, Ohio, where the family will receive friends one-half hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, John would have been proud to have donations made to Champaign County Public Library, 1060 Scioto St., Urbana, OH43078, Phone: 937-653-3811; or Barely Used Pets, 370 N. Dugan Road, Urbana, OH 43078, Phone 937-869-8090.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kavanaugh
Bruce Howe
August 27, 2015
John and I had some great fun. Mischievous as it may have been at times, they are times of laughter and edgey fun, from days at Lakewood Swim Club to racing my MGA Roadster. Rest in peace my brother.
Christine Boeschen
August 17, 2015
Dear memories of growing up in an Irish family with Johnny and all the cousins at the celebrations ... Oh the laughter:)
Slainte! Now you have gone home, my dear one.
Joe Ferrell
August 3, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. There was only one like John.
Joe Ferrell
Chris McConnell
July 31, 2015
I just found out and regret having not seen John in years but often thinking of him.
John had an influence musically on me that has weathered the years and trust me there have been some storms.
John will always be in my memory and my heart. RIP my musical friend
Jack McCumber
July 29, 2015
All who knew John will miss him dearly, his laugh is one thing i'll never forget.
.
Jackie CacciaRomanish
July 29, 2015
Your family will be in my prayers. Although John was several years older than me, I have memories of him at school. He was always smiling at Sister and back then, I thought that was a good thing.
Tracy Dilts
July 29, 2015
John was a school friend of mine and we lost touch of each other after school. He tried to teach me to play the guitar when we were in the 6th grade, and then when we were in jr. high we would run to his home to eat lunch. Losing touch was one bad thing now to find out. R.I.P. John
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in John Kavanaugh's name
Memorial Events
for John Kavanaugh
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Kavanaugh's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
