Obituary: Anthony F. Kavanaugh, 88, formerly Grafton News’ ‘Kay Whynot’

Anthony F. “Tony” Kavanaugh Sr., age 88, passed away quietly September 2, 2021 at The Oasis at Dodge Park, Worcester, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Born March 12, 1933 to Lillian Kavanaugh of North Grafton, he was raised by his maternal aunt and grandfather. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, Gwenyth Ruth (Adams) Kavanaugh in 2000, his son Anthony F. Kavanaugh Jr. in 2017, and his grandson Anthony F. Kavanaugh III in 2021. He leaves behind two daughters, Karen Luby Bell and her husband Bruce of North Oxford and Jean Houde and her husband Joel of North Grafton. He also leaves a son, Michael Kavanaugh of North Grafton, and loving companion, Diane Noe of Upton, as well as seven grandchildren, and eight great-grand children.

After graduating from Grafton High School in 1951, he married his high school sweetheart “Gwen” and worked briefly for Washington Mills Abrasives. From 1953-1955 he was in the US Navy, which sent him to electronics schools in several areas of the country. Honorably discharged, he was ever after proud of having served during the Korean conflict. He applied his electronics skills at New England Telephone (now Verizon), proudly rising to level of network manager before retiring in 1988 after 33 years.

For several years he was involved in Grafton Youth Hockey as a coach, and was a lifetime parishioner and supporter of St Mary’s Church in North Grafton. He was later a member of the Grafton Fish and Game, and the Rod and Gun Cub, and served on several local political committees. For many years, he was a columnist for The Grafton News under the pseudonym Kay Whynot.

Aside from his love of family, he liked construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance of home and property. But his greatest passion was cars, repairing and restoring the value of far more than many throughout his life, and spending his retirement years attending antique car shows and meets throughout the northeast.

Private Services were held at Roney Funeral Home in North Grafton followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery. A Book of Memories to share a message with Anthony’s family is available at Roney Funeral Home.