SPENCER-Thomas W. Canavan, 71, of Spencer died Saturday, September 8th in Scripps-Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Elaine M. “Lanny” (Kelley) Canavan; a son, Lawrence K. Canavan of Spencer; a daughter, Kelley A. Carney of Heightstown, NJ; a sister, Lillian F. Clifford of Shrewsbury; 3 granddaughters, Emily R. Canavan and Kate and Erin Carney; a son-in law, William V. Carney; a brother-in law, Robert J. Kelley; a sister-in law, Anne M. Canavan; 8 nephews, 4 nieces and several aunts, uncles and cousins. A brother, Francis J. Canavan, a sister, Eleanor-Ann Canavan and a granddaughter, Lawren Canavan predeceased him.
He was born in Worcester, the son of Thomas W. and Alice E. (Donnelly) Canavan. Mr. Canavan was a 1953 graduate of Commerce High School and a 1956 graduate of New England School of Accounting. He was employed by General Motors in Framingham and Laredo, TX as a traffic supervisor for 28 years. Upon his retirement in 1992, Mr. Canavan lived in Ellenton, FL for 12 years and in Heightstown, NJ for 3 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and spent many years involved in the Boy Scouts, Troop 116 in Spencer, most recently as an assistant to the troop leader.
The funeral is Saturday, September 15th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with a Mass at 11:00 AM in St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street, Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held from 9:00 until 10:30 the morning of the funeral in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nazareth Boy’s Home, 77 Mulberry Street, Leicester, MA 01524.