John Robert Kavanaugh, 63, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2015, with his family at his side.

John was born June 23, 1952, to Raphael J. and Marie (Brassel) Kavanaugh in Urbana, Ohio. He attended Saint Mary School in Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School. After living in Florida and Texas he returned to and remained in Urbana. He was a Master Dog Trainer and completed studies at Sinclair University in computer technology. Being a steadfast Irishman, John found great joy in fishing, sailing or boating of any kind. He was a good cook and looked forward every fall to challenging recipes for chili cook-offs. His passion was for dogs, and music, especially guitar. He has taken with him many happy memories of music sessions enjoyed with talented friends who shared his enthusiasm and fun. Most important to him was spending time with family and his good and loyal friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Kevin; and brother-in-law, David Paul. He is survived by sisters, Karen Paul of Cincinnati, Mary Ann Kavanaugh of Urbana, and Cynthia (Robert L.) Max of Urbana; also, nephews Sean (Teresa) Strapp, Matthew Max, Daniel Paul, and Patrick Paul; nieces, Julia Paul and Laura Max Lane (Jonathan); great-nephews, Ryan Strapp, Connor Strapp, and Andrew Max; great-neice, Elizabath Max.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mercy McAuley Center: to Amy Knotts who provided outstanding guidance and reassurance, to the nursing staff and aides who not only provided care, comfort and compassion, but also tender friendship to John and the family. Also immeasurable thanks to Community Mercy Hospice whose total support through knowledge, sensitivity and assertive skills eased John's suffering and helped console those who loved him.

John's long-time wish was to be a donor in the Willed Body Program. A memorial Mass is planned for Aug. 22, 2015, 2 p.m. at Saint Mary Church, Urbana, Ohio, where the family will receive friends one-half hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, John would have been proud to have donations made to Champaign County Public Library, 1060 Scioto St., Urbana, OH43078, Phone: 937-653-3811; or Barely Used Pets, 370 N. Dugan Road, Urbana, OH 43078, Phone 937-869-8090.