John J. Kavanaugh
February 18, 1950 ~ September 14, 2019
DANVERS- John J. Kavanaugh, 69, passed away suddenly in his home on September 14, 2019. He was the husband of Marcia (McDonald) Kavanaugh with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.
Born in Everett on February 18, 1950, he was the son of the late Daniel and Gertrude (Olson) Kavanaugh. He was raised and educated in Everett and graduated from Everett High School in 1968. John attended Mass Bay Community College, and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Salem State University, as well as his CAGS. John had been a devoted educator for over 30 years in the Everett School system. In retirement, few things gave him more joy than his weekly trips back to the classroom as a volunteer.
In addition to his wife, Marcia, he is survived by his three children, Adam Kavanaugh and his wife, Kimberly of VT, Elizabeth Kavanaugh of Salem and Kevin Kavanaugh of VT, his granddaughter, Brianna, his brother Daniel Kavanaugh and his wife, Joan of Wakefield and his nephews and niece, Daniel, Scott and Kerri Kavanaugh-Conley. He is also survived by his extended family, and his many friends & colleagues.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9AM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Friday at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s name to The George Keverian School P.T.O. (Parent Teacher Organization), 20 Nichols St., Everett, MA 02149 and/or Essex Elementary School Library, 1 Bixby Hill Rd, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
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John was both a relative and also taught my children in the Everett schools.They loved him as a teacher for his sense of humor, his warm personality and ability to make all kids feel like they were important.My daughter Jacquelynn credits John’s classroom methods as key in her ability to be organized,which she carried with her through high school and college.John cared about every single child he encountered.He touched so many lives in so many ways.
I knew John through family gatherings where his wit made everyone smile.I loved following his walking journeys both outside and inside and the banter back and forth from those who also knew him.John had a way of making everyone feel included.He will be missed!
From helping him handout political paraphernalia, to typing his tests and other classroom stuff on mimeograph paper, going to his and Aunt Marcia’s bridal shower in Grammy and Chief’s basement, helping him assemble toys at Christmas with his ONE handy do it all tool, to all the family gatherings where all we did was laugh, to the beautiful picture of him and Brianna walking hand and hand down the road. SO MANY HAPPY MEMORIES!
I will never forget. RIP Uncle John. Sleep well. Love you, Kathy
My condolences to the the family of Mr. Kavanaugh. Mr. Kavanaugh was my sixth grade teacher at the Hamilton school, now the Kevarian school. He was my favorite teacher of any grade. I’m sure he’ll be missed.
I was so sorry to hear this news. I was childhood friends with John. We reconnected on facebook when I asked the question ‘Is this the John Kavanaugh who cut one of my braids off when we were playing barber on your front porch?’ His response was ‘I thought Joe(my brother) did that! His mom and my mom were friends and we all got in trouble. Childhood was fun and left a lot of memories. See you on the other side one day John. Condolences to the whole beautiful family from Carol Santacroce Potter
Mr. Kavanaugh was my daughter’ sixth grade teacher and I was one of the parents who helped with P.T.O., when the school was called the Hamilton. He was a lively personality that the children enjoyed seeing each day. He was fun and fair, very caring and observant of each child so that he brought out the best in them. Those who shared his classroom were quite lucky. He earned my respect it’s his extra effort for fairness for example – NOT allowing Kathy or myself to buy extra books or supplies for his classroom because he felt it wasn’t fair to us, even though we wanted to. We both had a child in his class. He was usually ready with a smile, had a quick wit,and made the day brighter for those he interacted with. He was the teacher who taught just because it was fun to teach and see the kids “get it”. When I think back on him I smile. My daughter liked him and enjoyed being in his class. She was one of the lucky ones, he helped her come out of her shell a little more, and get more confidence. Now looking down from above he gets to see the lives of all the children who passed through his classroom. Maybe he will see some of the light he gave to them and think job well done. I think that. I believe he’s in Heaven but not resting he’s probably helping a group of children, or whispering in a teachers ear try doing things this way instead.
My condolences to the family, may the angels help you get past your grief of losing him, and remember the joy of being with him.
Joyce Richardson
I had the pleasure of knowing John as a colleague, and the privilege of teaching his three wonderful children. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Marcia and her beautiful family.
John touched so many lives in such a positive way. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. So many adjectives come to mind when I think of him-
Joanne Johnson
J ovial, joyful joker to his many friends
O ptimistic, outgoing, ongoing prankster to ALL
H ysterical, happy go lucky, hard-working teacher/colleague
N ice, nostalgic, nurturing husband, father and grandfather
John will always be remembered. His personality shown bright & reflected him perfectly. John’s love for his family was first & his love for his friends, his students a close second. How very Blessed we all were to have known this amazing man. Marcia & Family my Prayers & thoughts are with you.
“God Bless you my old friend.”
Joe Cooper
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I had the pleasure of working at two schools with him. He was a wonderful teacher and down to earth person. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Mom speaks true! He was one of the best teachers I had, and also, was HILARIOUS. I will never forget how he and the music teacher went back and forth playing practical jokes, how he always had something smart to say back to my cousin Derek, and how no one could ever win at Simon Says when he challenged the entire cafeteria to this task. Much love!
I just recently learned of John’s passing. John was one of my 6th grade teachers at the Hamilton school in 70’s. In fact John was one of my favorite teachers! I wanted to send my belated condolences to his family!
To the family of John, Sorry for your loss.He was also my favorite 6 grade teacher! He was such a funny & great man all around! I will always hang on to all the memories! You will be missed.Rest in peace Mr.Kavanaugh
He told me this story!!! And I didn’t believe him. I was like, you would never do that! Thank you for sharing. -Elizabeth (daughter)
Thank you for sharing this. Sure does sound like the dad I knew. -Elizabeth
Thank you for this, cousin! <3
Loved this. Thank you both.