Obituary for Thomas P. Cavanaugh
Thomas P Cavanaugh, “Tom” or “Tommy” to family and friends passed away on March 24, 2023 after a truly heroic 3 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout this journey, Tom maintained his positive attitude as well as an extremely healthy appetite.
Tom was born in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of the late Marjorie (McLaughlin) and Thomas J Cavanaugh. Tom was a graduate of Archmere Academy, and he attended seminary before discerning the priesthood was not for him. Tom served honorably in the Army during the Vietnam war, serving as communication specialist. He had a long career working for DuPont Company.
Tom loved the Pocono Mountains where he and his wife of 45 years, Maryann, had a cabin. He spent many days around his cabin taking in the scenery and breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Tom was a devout Catholic and long-time member of St. Peter the Apostle Church in New Castle where he served as lector at mass and volunteered in many other parish positions. Tom was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Becker Council where he served as the Grand Knight. He enjoyed volunteering at pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, and making funnel cakes on Separation Day.
Tom had a gentle, quiet, kind and giving soul. Tom’s family was a source of great pride and joy to him. He never missed an opportunity to gather with his family, particularly if it meant that a meal was involved. He took his role as Pop-Pop very seriously and was a loving grandfather figure to his three grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brother Francis, sister Mary Ann “Mimi’ Cavanaugh, and brother-in-law Edward “Michael” Rush.
Tom is survived by his wife Maryann, his son Ryan, his daughter Alyson, his son Jonathan (Meghan), and his grandchildren Joseph, Katelyn and Matthew and sisters Margie Taggart (Robert) and Winnie Rush along with many nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank all of those who cared for Tom during his illness including Dr. Burke at Christiana Care and his Delaware Hospice caretakers.
A memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 30 from 10-11am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am at St. Peter the Apostle Church in New Castle, Delaware.
Tom was born in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of the late Marjorie (McLaughlin) and Thomas J Cavanaugh. Tom was a graduate of Archmere Academy, and he attended seminary before discerning the priesthood was not for him. Tom served honorably in the Army during the Vietnam war, serving as communication specialist. He had a long career working for DuPont Company.
Tom loved the Pocono Mountains where he and his wife of 45 years, Maryann, had a cabin. He spent many days around his cabin taking in the scenery and breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Tom was a devout Catholic and long-time member of St. Peter the Apostle Church in New Castle where he served as lector at mass and volunteered in many other parish positions. Tom was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Becker Council where he served as the Grand Knight. He enjoyed volunteering at pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, and making funnel cakes on Separation Day.
Tom had a gentle, quiet, kind and giving soul. Tom’s family was a source of great pride and joy to him. He never missed an opportunity to gather with his family, particularly if it meant that a meal was involved. He took his role as Pop-Pop very seriously and was a loving grandfather figure to his three grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brother Francis, sister Mary Ann “Mimi’ Cavanaugh, and brother-in-law Edward “Michael” Rush.
Tom is survived by his wife Maryann, his son Ryan, his daughter Alyson, his son Jonathan (Meghan), and his grandchildren Joseph, Katelyn and Matthew and sisters Margie Taggart (Robert) and Winnie Rush along with many nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank all of those who cared for Tom during his illness including Dr. Burke at Christiana Care and his Delaware Hospice caretakers.
A memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 30 from 10-11am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am at St. Peter the Apostle Church in New Castle, Delaware.