John Kavanagh, a respected homebuilder, devoted husband, beloved father, and community leader, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Greensboro, NC, after a courageous 13-year journey with multiple myeloma. He was 74.
Born in Greensboro to Jeanette Rusovich and Roger Pierce Kavanagh Jr., John attended St. Pius the Tenth Catholic School before graduating from Canterbury School in Connecticut and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his degree and proudly cheered on his beloved Tar Heels. He began his career in land development and homebuilding working alongside his father at Westminster Homes, where he gained experience and insight into the industry. In 1986, he founded Kavanagh Homes, earning a reputation across the Triad for quality craftsmanship, trustworthiness, and exceptional customer service. He also partnered with New Directions International to build homes in underserved communities around the world.
In 2009, John co-founded KMW Builders, a general contracting company he teamed with Weaver Investment Company to create. He continued his commitment to building affordable and senior housing throughout the Carolinas. John served on numerous boards throughout his career, furthering his dedication to housing, service, and community betterment.
John approached life with intentionality, integrity, and a desire to grow. He was deeply consistent in character, always striving to improve himself, and was drawn to ideas and practices that encouraged reflection and inner strength. Whether in his work, his relationships, or his personal pursuits, he lived with purpose and care.
He was an avid reader and developed a passion for fitness later in life—learning to swim in his 50s so he could compete in triathlons, running half and full marathons, and staying active with the Downtown Dashers, YMCA, and Sagewell Fitness Center. In his later years, he also embraced yoga and meditation as part of his journey toward mindfulness and inner peace.
John is survived by his wife, Cammie Cramer Kavanagh; daughters, Mary Ellen Kavanagh Lowry (Brad) and Elizabeth Kavanagh Newsome (Chris); grandchildren, Haley and Henry Newsome; stepchildren, David Sweeney (Amanda) of Minnesota and Katie Sweeney of New York. He is also survived by Ellen Kavanagh, mother of his children, and extended family in New Orleans and New York. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Roger.
John will be remembered for his calm presence, steady wisdom, tenacious spirit, and the quiet way he made people feel seen, heard, and loved. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 28 at 2:00 PM at Well Spring Retirement Community. The family will greet friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Housing Solutions, Habitat for Humanity, or Second Breath.
The family is forever grateful to the compassionate, caring, and expert staff at Well Spring Retirement Community, the Cone Health Cancer Center, and Hospice for their extraordinary support.
