William C Cavanagh

William Charles Cavanagh

1/20/1942 - 5/28/2024

Beloved son of Angelina “Lena” (née Castelli) and John Joseph Cavanagh, sister Lucille (née Cavanagh) Zafonte,

brothers John “Jack” and Robert Cavanagh; and brother-in-law Elliott M. Rabin all of blessed memory.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Diane (née Rabin) Cavanagh, son Jon Louis (Rachelle) Cavanagh, daughter

Pamela Ann (Thomas) O’Riordan, and grandchildren, Anthony Cavanagh, James Cavanagh, Matthew Cavanagh,

William O’Riordan, Patrick O’Riordan and Emma Cavanagh; sister Loretta (née Cavanagh) McGroary, and brother-

in-law Todd (Roni Ross) Rabin along with many nieces and nephews.

Born in New York, NY he was raised in Far Rockaway, NY. He lived his life as a child on the beach with cousins and

friends and always savored his memories as well as a love for the beach.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 years old and served in the Mediterranean, mostly Naples Italy and was

honorably discharged in January 1963.

Bill joined the New York Transit Police in December 1965 and retired as a Detective from the major case unit in

August of 1987. He received many commendations and always considered himself a “Cop.” He proudly wore his

NYPD T-shirts during his entire retirement. He then worked for several insurance companies as a Claims Manager

before finally retiring at age 72.

He met his wife Diane in the summer of 1963. They reunited in 1965 and were married in 1967. They moved from

Brooklyn to Oceanside, NY in 1972 where they raised their two wonderful children, Jon Louis and Pamela Ann who

graced them with 6 magnificent grandchildren, whom he adored. They moved to Lynbrook and ultimately settled

in East Meadow.

Bill had the most infectious smile and dry sense of humor. He loved his dogs, Nigel and Baylee and by extension

Coco…not to mention ALL dogs and could be found watching dog videos. Enjoyed good food and cooking shows

and baking bread with his brother-in-law Todd. His favorite hobbies were, painting, the beach, the sunshine,

museums, and enjoyed traveling to many countries and destinations…his favorite was Italy, Florence, Lake Como,

Amalfi, Rome, Venice, and Tuscany. Saw the pyramids in Egypt, The Louvre in France. Saw Greece, Portugal,

Germany, British Isles, Ireland, Scotland, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Bermuda, Mexico, Aruba,

Barbados, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion to name just a few. In his retirement he enjoyed diamond art and

created many pieces.

He especially loved seeing all his grandchildren participate in sports and music and tried to make every event. Bill

also enjoyed sharing new experiences with the grandchildren.

Mostly, he loved his family and friends and felt blessed and loved beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:

ASPCA

American Breast Cancer

https://donate.cancer.org/

Children’s Tumor Foundation

https://join.ctf.org/