Thomas S. Kavanaugh, Jr.

Navy Senior Chief Thomas S. Kavanaugh passed away December 7, 2012 at home in Coal Center, with family in attendance at age 87.

He was born October 8, 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut, a son of Thomas S. Kavanaugh, Sr. and Gertrude Gregan Kavanaugh.

Tom was a pioneer in U.S. Navy Scuba Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Tom Kavanaugh's EOD career began in 1953 and he retired as an EOD Instructor in Indian Head Maryland in 1970 after suffering the "bends" on his last dive there. He served on many ships including the aircraft carriers the USS Boxer, USS Midway and USS Independence. He was a World War II Veteran and was involved in D-Day +1 on the USS Excelsior while serving as a Navy Gunners Mate with the Armed Guard.

After the military, he worked and retired from Nissan Motors.

He was a member of the Sojourners United Church of Christ in Charlottesville, VA, the Charleroi American Legion and a life member of the V.F.W. and was past president of the Norfolk Branch Fleet Reserve.

His wife, Charlene Ann “Char” Sparacio Kavanaugh, died March 6, 2006. They were married on July 1, 1950 in San Francisco, California.

Surviving are four sons, Clifford Kavanaugh of Charlottesville, VA, Kevin Kavanaugh of Coal Center, Keith Kavanaugh of Virginia Beach, VA and Shawn Kavanaugh of California; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Chief Kavanaugh’s daughter-in-law, Heidi Kavanaugh was a loving and devoted friend, confidant and caregiver.

Friends are welcome from 9 to 10 a.m., the hour of a blessing service, Monday, December 10 at the Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home, Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255. The Reverend Edward L. Yuhas will officiate. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded EOD Warriors. Visit www.thompson-marodi.com to leave a condolence message, order flowers and share photos

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Visitation

Monday December 10th, 2012

9:00am - 10:00am

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Blessing Service

Monday December 10th, 2012

10:00am

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