Haverhill, MA: John A. Kavanaugh, 85, of Haverhill, died on October 18, 2014 at Lakeview House Nursing Home in Haverhill.

Born in Buffalo, NY, son of the late Wallace and Alma (Thibault) Kavanaugh, he moved to the Linden section of Malden, MA with his family at the age of 8. He attended Art School and was employed as a farm hand at Tenney Farm in Sandown, NH for many years.

A member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish of Holy Angels Church, Mr. Kavanaugh was an accomplished guitarist. He performed locally and was also a member of the Rhythm section of the Over the Hill Band. He also played at many local nursing homes and at the Vic Geary Center in Plaistow. In addition to music, Mr. Kavanaugh was a talented artist in watercolors, oils, and charcoal.

Mr. Kavanaugh enjoyed model airplane building, reading classic comic books, and watching old western television shows and movies. He was an avid swimmer and enjoyed spending summers at Sunset Lake in Hampstead, NH.

He is survived by his twin sister, Marie Blair of Plaistow, NH, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Gilbert Kavanaugh.

The family would like to thank the staff of the assisted living residence at Lakeview House for the care and comfort extended to Mr. Kavanaugh during his final illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mr. Kavanaugh's Life Celebration on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. His funeral service will take place on Friday at 12:15 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery, East Road, Plaistow. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.brooksidechapelfh.com.