Mr. John F. Cavanaugh's Obituary
John Francis Cavanaugh, 97, passed away on October 10, 2024, at Kline Hospice House in Mount Airy, MD, after a short illness.
John (Jack) was born May 19, 1927 in Malden, MA to John Francis and Mary (McDonough) Cavanaugh. He had two younger brothers, Robert and Richard, both of whom predeceased Jack.
Jack served in active duty as a Navy radarman on a minesweeper in the Pacific from 1945 to 1946. He attended Northeastern University in Boston on the GI Bill and received a degree in electronic engineering. Jack moved to New York City where he met his future wife Gerry O’Neil (now deceased). After working in the private sector in New York and Connecticut, the U.S Government Printing Office recruited Jack to install their first electronic publishing system. Jack and Gerry moved their family to Silver Spring, MD which they made their permanent home.
Jack was a leading developer of electronic publishing, longtime public servant and volunteer, and master at backyard gardening. But Jack only wanted to be remembered for his proudest accomplishments - being a loving and devoted husband to Gerry for 69 years and a good Dad to his three children with whom he remained close until his death.
Jack is survived by his three children, Claire Garner (Mark Garner), Jean Cavanaugh (Mark Pascal) and John Cavanaugh (Sally Barron). He cherished his six grandchildren - Kyle Garner, Sam Pascal, Shaelyn Cavanaugh, Bridget Cavanaugh, Joe Pascal, and Leah Cavanaugh. Jack is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
There will be a private service on October 21 for family members.
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