Joseph James Kavanagh

SHEPPARDVILLE, NEWFOUNDLAND – Joseph James Kavanagh, 69 of Sheppardville, Newfoundland passed away peacefully at the Moncton City Hospital on July 18, 2016.  Born May 11, 1947 in Rexton, he was the son of the late Frank (Chappy) and Agnes Kavanagh (Slater). 

Before retiring, Joe served in the Canadian military for 37 years. For the last 15 years, Joe enjoyed his retirement in Newfoundland as an avid hunter, fisherman and hunting guide and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandsons.

Joe will be sadly missed by his wife, Rita (Curnew) Kavanagh of Sheppardville; five daughters, Colleen Allaby (Geoff) of Alhambra, Alberta,  Andrea DeWitt of Spencer’s Island, Nova Scotia; Cathy Gillard (Francis) of St. Catherines, Ontario, Roxanne Beckwith of Edmonton, Cindy Hanzel ( Ryan), of Edmonton;  five sons; David Kavanagh (Lise) of Coal Harbour, Dartmouth, Jim Kavanagh (Charlene) of Lakeville, Darrin Dewitt (Shauna) of Amherst Shore, Paul Perrin of Saint John, Joe Beckwith (Hannah) of Vancouver; fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by one infant daughter, Kimberley Ann.

He is also survived by his step-mother, Reina Daigle (late Martial) of St. Louis; one sister Mary Simmons (Dave) of Colorado Springs; three Brothers, Peter (Joyce) of Woodstock, Terrence (Cathy) of Richibucto, Kevin (Nicki) of Miramichi and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home by request from the family.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 10:30 am at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Rexton.  Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the "Last Post Fund".  Arrangements are in care of Thompson’s Funeral Home, Richibucto (523-4252).