Mr. Michael S. Kavanagh, 76, of Knoxville, Illinois died 2:56 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2019 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
He was born April 2, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to John Lawrence and Evelyn (Romanecki) Kavanagh. He married Linda Marie Silingo January 25, 1969 in Bensenville, Illinois. She survives.
Also surviving is his daughter, Michelle (and Sam) Fryer of Sharon, South Carolina, two sons, Michael (and Sabrina) Kavanagh of Knoxville, Illinois and Mark “Bubba” (and Stacy) Kavanagh of Knoxville, two brothers, John “Larry” (and Barbara) Kavanagh of Gurnee, Illinois and Tom (and Mary Beth) Kavanagh of Wadsworth, Illinois, two sisters, Joyce Prestin of California and Dee (and Dr. Norb) Bora of Gurnee, and five grandchildren, Tiarra, Mike Jr., Lauren, Logan, and Ally Jo.
Mike was a specialist in the US Army for two years and was stationed in Germany. He worked in plastic injection moldings for over 40 years and was a foreman for over 25 years. He worked for Hawk Model Company, Woodland Company, Nypro and Maytag. He retired in March of 2004. He was of the Catholic faith. Mike always wanted to move his family to the country for a better life. He was able to fulfill his dream when he found a job in Galesburg and ultimately moved to Knoxville. His kids and grandkids were the focus of his life. He spent his free time attending their ballgames and events. At home, he had his fishing pond where he passed on his passion and skills for fishing to them. His other love was to play pool. Many-a-nights he would be found in the basement playing a game with his sons and many friends. He also had a place in his heart for his dogs, especially his “Cami-Girl”. Finally, he spent 50 years with the love of his life, Linda. Through everything he was steadfast by her side.
Funeral mass will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Galesburg. Father Jacob Rose will officiate. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW/ American Legion Honor Guard with Taps being performed by Dan Fryer. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2019 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
