John T. Cavanaugh, age 84, of Wilmington, IL, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, on Wednesday morning, November 23, 2022.

He was born on May 5, 1938 in Kankakee, IL to Dan E. and Mary A. (nee McGrath) Cavanaugh. He grew up in rural Wilmington, later working as a farm hand for his father and other local farmers. He was then employed at Caterpillar in Joliet, retiring after 35 years. John married Shirley Cunning on November 21, 1959 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington.

A natural handy man, John built his family home himself 57 years ago. He was very involved with his community, serving on both the Custer Park and Reed Custer School Boards, totaling over 25 years. He also served on the planning commission for Custer Township, on the Custer Park Fire Department and as Trustee for the Custer Township Fire Protection District. He served as an usher for many years at St. Rose Catholic Church. There was no such thing as a stranger to John. He loved to visit and make friends in his community. Most of all, John was a devoted father and grandfather and was involved with many of their school activities.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years and 1 day, Shirley Cavanaugh; his children, Kimberly Cavanaugh of San Antonio, TX, Kari Cavanaugh of Braidwood, J. Kelly Cavanaugh of Custer Park and Chris (Tonya) Cavanaugh of Braidwood; his eight grandchildren, Angela (Brian) Julian, Amy (Wayne) Howard, Kristin (Ryan) Doherty, Melissa Gillis, Luke Borth, Jake Borth, Ryan(Aliyah Reyes) Cavanaugh and Bret John Cavanaugh; his six great-grandchildren, Elijah, Kylie, Logan, Jayla, Aiden and Jackson; his sister, Mary (the late Jack) Schott of Kankakee; his brothers, Francis (Joanne) Cavanaugh of Braidwood, Bill (Kax) Cavanaugh of Kankakee and Ray (Kay) Cavanaugh of Oro Valley, AZ; special brother-in-law, Don(Jody) Cunning of Sebring, FL; special cousin, Dick Lehman of Lander, WY and special friends, Jim and Carol Shenk of Wilmington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Mary Cavanaugh; his sister, Kathleen Gatlin and his niece, Marne Cavanaugh-Wyatt.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in honor of John.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 25, 2022 from 12:00 noon until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 pm at Ferrari Funeral Services, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL 60416. Deacon William Dunn will officiate.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington.

The family will host a formal Memorial Service at a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.