Thomas F. Cavanaugh, age 82, a longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away at home on Monday evening, August 10, 2026.
He was the beloved husband of Kathleen A. “Katie” (Bardet) Cavanaugh, who passed away on September 22, 2024.
Born in Winchester on September 14, 1943, he was the son of the late James J. Cavanaugh and the late Kathleen R. (Walsh) Cavanaugh.
Tom was raised in Reading, attended reading schools and graduated from Reading High School.
In 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War era aboard the U.S.S. Spiegel Grove.
He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his active-duty service.
Tom was a member of Teamster’s Local # 25 and worked for New Penn Trucking for 25 years until his retirement.
He enjoyed quiet times at home with his family, caring for his vegetable garden and pool, traveling with his late wife to Disney World and following the Patriots, Bruins and Red Sox.
Survivors include his daughters, Gail Cavanaugh McAuliffe, of Tewksbury, Kelly Maloney and her husband Gerald, of Georgetown, PA and Sharon Cavanaugh, of Tewksbury: his grandchildren, Cassidy McAuliffe, Kaitlin, Conner, Aedan, Kavan and Brendan Maloney, Shawna, Skye, and Shea Scialdone; great grandchildren, Francis, Anastasia, Raphael, Sofia and Damien: brothers, James J. Cavanaugh and his wife Gail, of Peabody and David N. Cavanaugh and his wife Maureen, of Bradford: many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Services for Mr. Cavanaugh are private. Those who wish may make a donation in his memory to M.S.P.C.A-Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844