Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
William Kavanaugh Obituary
Dr. Kavanaugh graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester, Mass., before earning his undergraduate degree from Fitchburg State College, and finally graduating from Boston University with his EdD in education. William dedicated his professional life to education, having taught at Pawcatuck Jr. High School, Stonington, Conn., overseas in Europe with the Dept. of Defense and eventually retiring as a professor from Rhode Island College.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Kevin Kavanaugh and his wife Sheila of Cumberland, and Brendan Kavanaugh and his wife Alison of Easthampton, Mass.; one daughter, Erin Flynn and her husband Timothy of Warwick, and four grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, April 18, at 11 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 63 Church St., North Smithfield. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket. www.holtfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Kavanaugh
Sponsored by Holt Funeral Home Curtis J. Holt's Sons Funeral Directors.
Carsten Lührs
December 11, 2024
Dear Mrs Kavanaugh, dear Erin, dear Kevin, dear Brandon,
I was googleing Bill K, when I encountered the sad news.
I was your next door neighbour in 1977/78, staying with the Andrews, attending North Smithfield High.
I remember everything he said in my presence, I could quote each sentence ("Wolfgaaang, more moves than jello.- Granola-that´s what we feed Daisy. - Daisy chasin` cars." etc.)
I see Mr K in front of me: Up straight, full of pride and irony, whitty smile, eyes bluer than blue! -
Big loss! -
I will now put on and listen to "time waits for no one" by the Rolling Stones worshiping my incredible American neighbour! -
Carsten Lührs, Hamburg, Germany
(e-Mail: [email protected]
Deborah Capuano
April 8, 2023
John looked forward to his lunches with Bill. They always had a great time. John passed on December 5, 2022. I am sure that he and Bill are I Heaven exchanging stories and laughing about their days at Fitchburg State. Two great guys,
Kelly Maguire - Buterbaugh
August 12, 2016
To the Kavanaugh Family - you don't know me but I adored Dr K! He was my
Favorite professor at RIC. And I have thought of him over the years. We were in touch and than lost touch. He came to mind recently and that is how I learned of his passing and was deeply saddened. I can't tell you enough how much of an impact he had on my life. He was a mentor, teacher, and friend. I wouldn't be where I am today in my career if it wasnt for his encouragement. He set me straight. Made me laugh and told me like it was. I am looking forward to the day where I see him again in Heaven. My prayers are with all of you!
Mark Pupillo
May 6, 2016
To the entire Kavanaugh family,
I extend my deepest condolences to you on the passing of your beloved Bill. As one of his former students at Pawcatuck Junior, I can only tell you how influential he was as educator and mentor. I have nothing but wonderful memories of my time in his Industrial Arts classrooms. He was a gentle giant who could be firm when needed but most times he just pulled people in with his sense of humor and passion for teaching. My thoughts are with you all. Rest in Peace Mr. Kavanaugh!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ron Como
May 2, 2016
When I think of my RIC experiences, (class of '87) Dr. "K" is first on my list....what a sense of humor! A guy with a tremendous lust for life and a great outlook. I'll miss his emails.
My condolences to the Kavanaugh family. Ron Como
Jody Alcantara
April 26, 2016
Bill will be sadly missed by all of us at The Furniture Bank of Rhode Island. We loved when he would come in and tell us his stories. It made our day!
Paul Fioravanti
April 25, 2016
I served on the advisory board at URI Providence with Bill and he was a consultant to Valley Resources, a public company I was a senior manager with, for a few years spearheading a continuous improvement effort. Bill was a brilliant, entertaining and focused individual and I and the other management team members (some reluctantly) learned much about Organizational Development from him. Sorry to hear of his passing. I draw from life and business lessons learned from Bill in my own professional life every day. He was simply an awesome guy.
April 25, 2016
My condolences to the family- Jim Connolly "57" Fitchburg State/Esoteric Society
April 20, 2016
To The Kavanaugh Family: Our deepest sympathy to your family. Charles and Charlotte Rogers, Bluffton, South Carolina
Dan Dinoto
April 20, 2016
To all the Kavanaugh family my sincerest condolences. When I was a young boy at YMCA day camp at Watchaug Pond in Charleston R.I., I became friends with Mr.Kavanaugh. He kind of looked out for me and he invited me to speak to a group of directors of the local YMCA (at the ripe old age of 9) about my experience at the camp. I have always remembered that to this day. I felt honored to be chosen to do that and it was a nice boost of self esteem for a young boy. From time to time I have wondered where and how Bill was. Now I read his obituary and learn that he grew up in Worcester, Ma. which is where I have resided for 20 years. Life is full of irony. God bless Bill and his entire family. They don't make guys like Bill anymore.
sue erskine (drury)
April 20, 2016
Dear Mrs. Cavanaugh, and all the family. I literally just foundout about Mr. Cavanaughs passing. I am weeping because he is one of the very best people I ever met. He was the greatest guy, always so funny, but a sentimental gentle Irisman as well. I know he was a wonderful husband and father and you are all in my prayers. Much love, Sue Drury Erskine
Ann Marie (Freitas) Messenger
April 20, 2016
Dear Judy and family. I was very saddened to read about Bill's passing. I have many memories of your visits to Pawcatuck. May he rest in peace.
Lisa Reed
April 17, 2016
To the Kavanaugh family,
My deepest sympathy to your family as you go through this very difficult time. May you find peace in the fond memories of Mr. Kavanaugh and the people who surround you with love.
April 17, 2016
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Bill was so good to my son mark my husband mark and to me. This is such a shock. He will be missed deeply. Love the Stadelbauer family. Mark , Lori mark and Lauren.
April 17, 2016
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Bill was so good to my son mark my husband mark and to me. This is such a shock. He will be missed deeply. Love the Stadelbauer family. Mark , Lori mark and Lauren.
Lauren Plante
April 17, 2016
Kevin, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Louis Martone
April 16, 2016
My condolences to the Kavanaugh family, Bill was a driving force in my becoming a teacher.
He knew how to get the best from his students and he would always be available to help you.
Rest In Peace, Bill.
Pat McLeod
April 16, 2016
Dear Erin & Tim, please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family on your recent loss. So sorry.
barry argento
April 16, 2016
Judy and Family-- So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May God ease your sorrow on such a sudden death. I am sure he has join Josie and Pat in Heaven. God bless you all.
Larry Schackner
April 16, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Kavanaugh family. Mr. Kavanaugh taught me at Pawcatuck Jr. High and sponsored a group of us boys in the St. Michaels chapter of the Columbian Squires. I'll always remember him as a great teacher and role model.
Debbie and Bob Tobin
April 16, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are wit you all at this time.
So sorry for your loss.
April 16, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
so sorry for your loss.
Debbie and Bob Tobin
Pat Barrie
April 16, 2016
Dear Judy & family- we've always enjoyed Bill's company and conversations with him; most especially when he was sitting on a stool with a cup of coffee in his hand at 'BOIS'. He brought good conversation and friendship and we will miss him. Our hearts go out to all of you. Pat & Paul Barrie (from BOIS)
April 15, 2016
Dear Judy & Family - I have known Billy for 62 year & this is very difficult to digest. He was always there when you needed him with a good smile and/or joke. A few years ago we (Judy) discovered that we were born in Lowell, Ma on the same date, in the same hospital and I considered her my twin. Judy & family my prayers & blessings to the entire family.
June Jardarian. class of 1954 Commerce High School, Worcester. MA
John & Barbara Gregory
April 15, 2016
Our condolences to Bill's family
Sharon Charette
April 15, 2016
Dear Erin and Kevin -- I was saddened to hear of your loss. I hope that, over time, your grief will dissolve and be replaced by happy memories. My deepest condolences to your whole family.
Larry Schackner
April 15, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Kavanaugh family. Mr. Kavanaugh taught me at Pawcatuck Jr. High and sponsored a group of us boys in the Calumbian Squires. He was a great teacher and role model to us all.
Chip Rocha
April 15, 2016
Dear Erin and the entire Kavanaugh family, as a student at RIC, I took several courses with Doc. K...he was the consummate professor as well as a great inspiration and mentor to each of his students. Always ready with an off-the-cuff quip to ease the tension of a grade not quite up to par...and a smile and sense of humor second to none. To say that he was my friend is an honor I have carried with me for the last 34 years (1972). Thank you and your family for sharing him with countless, thankful, students ! My sincerest sympathies. Rest in peace, in God's arms, my friend...and thank you .
Keith & Carole Stiles
April 15, 2016
Dear Erin and the entire Kavanaugh family. We are saddened to hear of your sudden loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of great times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill Aho
April 15, 2016
My sincere condolences Judy, to you and your family.
Was recently reminiscing about you and Bill at the FSU Alumni gathering here in Palm Beach, FL. Shocked to learn of his passing.
Don Barrows
April 15, 2016
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Kavanaugh. As a student at RIC , I'd known him for years , and respected him
April 14, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Janis and Roger Fontaine
John and Deborah Capuano
April 14, 2016
Our sincere condolences to Judy and family. Bill was my college buddy and special friend. I will cherish our lunches together and talks about our good times at Fitchburg State. I'm going to miss my dear friend. He was a very special, great guy.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in William Kavanaugh's name
Memorial Events
for William Kavanaugh
Apr
17
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor William 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
