Thomas Edward Cavanaugh III

On August 24, 2023, Thomas E. Cavanaugh III of Jensen Beach, Florida (formally of Sparta, New Jersey) passed away peacefully. Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynne (Callahan) Cavanaugh, daughter, Kelly Cavanaugh (Stephen) of Sparta, son Chris Cavanaugh (Gina) of Sparta and Kate Cavanaugh Johnson (David) of South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Tom had nine well loved grandchildren, Jack and Casey Cavanaugh, Molly, Tommy, Madelyn and Grace Fasulo along with Charlie, Teddy and Tripp Johnson. Tom also will be missed by his siblings Suzanne (Dennis) Laven, of East Greenwich, RI, Jane (Joe) Lang of Portsmouth, RI, Paul (Maura) of North Wales, PA, Richard (Judy) of Watertown, CT and Mary Louise (Robyn, predeceased) of Newport, RI along numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was born on January 8, 1945 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to the late Margaret (Hennelly) and Dr. Thomas E. Cavanaugh Jr. He was the eldest of six extraordinary and magically bonded brothers and sisters. Tom loved growing up in Jamaica Plain, MA and later Newton, MA he would beam with a mischievous grin accompanied by a twinkle in his eye recounting memories of his childhood. He very unexpectedly became somewhat of a preparatory school expert throughout the greater Boston area and Maine; attending five schools over his noteworthy career ending at Newman Prep in 1963. He then went on to study at Providence College where he graduated in 1967. Tom and Lynne were married in Boston in April of 1968. They spent the next ten years moving throughout New England while Tom worked for Georgia Pacific opening locations in Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. It was within this time that they welcomed their three children. Tom’s final transfer in 1978 brought them to a quaint little lake town in New Jersey where they set their roots. Tom independently formed, Cavanaugh Associates in the early 80s, they raised their children and made lifelong friends. Tom and Lynne officially left Sparta two years ago to enjoy the always sunny skies of Florida.

Tom loved a good book, a good conversation, a good laugh, a good cigar and good friends. He was funny even with a straight face. He had an effortless “Irish” sense of humor that kept him and those around him laughing. He could drop a one liner and change the entire dynamic of a room. He loved listening to The Irish Tenors, the sun on his face, Patriotism, peanut butter sandwiches, long walks along the beach and most importantly his family. He despised political correctness, pretentiousness, airports, lousy drivers, broccoli and later in life wearing anything but shorts and sandals.

Tom adored any activities taking place outdoors, athletics very much included. He was massive supporter of all sports, but especially those involving his children and grandchildren. He loved those days of local small-town rivalries, and would often be found on the sidelines, accompanied by his signature pipe, taking in the competition. Always an athlete himself, he participated and competed in a wide range of activities during his life, including tennis, soccer, hiking, basketball, football, ice hockey and, most recently, didn’t let pickle ball escape him. A loyal Bostonian, he made sure to cheer on the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins from the comfort of home.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00, Saturday September 9, 2023 at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta, New Jersey. Tom has asked if you are able to attend, forgo the black attire and tears. For his was a life well loved and filled with gratitude and little time was spent in sadness but rather appreciation for everyone and everything around him. While remembering Tom, perhaps hold the door open for next person, smile at a stranger, quietly give to charity close to your heart, find the humor around every corner and laugh, especially at yourself.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockjensenbeach.com for the Cavanaugh family.