Kenneth P. Cavanaugh

Kenneth P. Cavanaugh, 78, of Rochester, died at Memorial Hospice at Heritage on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. He was born on April 17, 1939 in Springfield, the son of the late John and Cecelia Cavanaugh. He married Ann Rowell in Champaign in 1987. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Ann; three children, John Patrick Cavanaugh (wife, Jennifer) of San Diego, California, Jennifer Ding (husband, Derek) of Glen Allen, Virginia, and John Reynolds (wife, Julie) of Petersburg, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kenny of San Diego, Amber of Baltimore, MD, Lindsey (husband, Neil) of Midlothian, VA, and Ross, Hayden, and Raquel of Petersburg; one sister, Shirley Parker of Chatham; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John and one sister, Dolores Cawley. He graduated from junior college and Blackburn College in Carlinville. He served in the United States Marine Corps and was in the reserve for several years. Kenneth spent his career in Labor Relations and Human Resources. He was employed by Automatic Electric, Northlake, IL, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, and retired in 1998 from Memorial Health System as Vice President of Human Resources. Kenneth was an avid baseball fan and followed college basketball. He enjoyed running in his earlier years, reading, traveling, and researching his family history. Kenneth was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Calvary Cemetery Chapel, 2001 North 1st St., Springfield with Rev. Brian C. Alford officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Rady Childrens Hospital Foundation, 3020 Childrens Way, MC 5005, San Diego, CA 92123. Please indicate "Autism" on the memo line of your contribution.