Peabody…….

Joseph F. "Joe" Kavanaugh, age 77, loving and devoted husband for 54 years of Mary (McCormack) Kavanaugh, formerly of Beverly and Wenham, died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning.

Born in Peabody the son of the late Thomas F. and Margaret (Connors) Kavanaugh, Mr. Kavanaugh was educated in Peabody schools. He was a member of the Peabody High School, Class of 1948 and had remained active in his class's activities and serving on the reunion committee for many years.

An honorably discharged veteran, he had served with the Massachusetts National Guard for many years. At the same time he continued his education at Boston University and Bentley College. For many years he was employed in Peabody's leather industry at the former A.C. Lawrence Leather Company and later owner and operated the George P. Cavanaugh Leather Company until it closed. He then became employed in leather sales in New York City for a brief period. More recently had had been employed by Murphy Funeral Home in Salem.

Joe loved people and entertaining whether is was at home, directing minstrel shows for St. Mary's School in Beverly or serving as the President of the Tannery II Association. His warm personality and charismatic smile lit up a room when he walked into it. He had also been active in St. Mary's Church in Beverly for several years where he taught C.C.D. Mr. Kavanaugh was devoted to his Irish roots, enjoyed traveling the world and recently had taken a special family trip to Ireland.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Kavanaugh is survived by six children Thomas K. . Kavanaugh, Maureen Hilfinger and her husband Robert all of Beverly, Anne Marie Coggins and her husband Mark of Alexandra, VA, Mary Ellen Percival and her husband Steven of Georgetown, Kathleen Kavanaugh and her husband Anthony Riviera of Farmington, NH and Kevin Kavanaugh of New York City, NY; ten grandchildren who he loved and adored Kerianne, Meghan, Caitlin, Nora, Joseph, Erin, Connor, Jared, Kevin and Kyle; two sisters in law Carol Nash of Dover, NH and Ann McCormack of Pepperell, MA and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Monday at 10:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a Funeral mass at 11:00 A.M. in St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St. Peabody, Ma 01960. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 2 to 6 P.M. Interment will be private. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mary's Star of the Sea School, 13 Chapman St., Beverly, MA 01915. For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com. or call 978 744 0497.