Harry Joseph Cavanagh

Harry Joseph Cavanagh, Sr. (84) was born in Chicago, Illinois July 9, 1923 and passed away December 30, 2007. His family moved to Arizona in 1940 where he graduated from St. Mary's High School in Phoenix. Secondary education at Arizona State University was interrupted by World War II when he served as a fighter pilot and instructor for the P-47 Thunderbolts. Harry served overseas flying missions in Italy where he received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals. Upon completion of his tour of duty he completed his undergraduate work at Arizona State University and graduated from the University of Arizona Law School. Harry was admitted to practice in 1950. He started the O'Connor, Cavanagh law firm and The Cavanagh Law Firm. 

Civic involvement was extremely important to Harry. He has served on the boards of and supported numerous charities including the Banner Health Foundation serving as Chairman for three years. He served as chairman of the local LPGA event for six years. Harry has been a member of the Sun Angel Foundation for many years serving on its executive board and committees including being the first chairman of the fund raising for the Karsten Golf Course at Arizona State University. His love of golf led him to serve on the PGA National Advisory Committee and the Southwest Section PGA Advisory Committee as well as the Golf Course Superintendent's Association. Harry was chairman of the Alberta B. Farrington Foundation that focuses on local community needs. 

In 1996 he received the "Anser Award" from the Southwest Section PGA. Harry was inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame in 2001. In addition, he has received several awards for his civic and legal involvement including the Honorable Learned Hand Award, NSFRE Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Award, Banner Health Turquoise Award, Boy's Clubs of Phoenix Golden Man and Boy Award, and Home Base Leadership Award. Harry also served on the Host committee for Super Bowl XXX. Most recently, the Cardiac Care Center at Banner Good Samaritan was named in his honor. 

Harry is survived by his wife of 38 years Geri, sons Harry Jr. and Michael, daughters Diane Adams, Pat Barton, Jamie Hufford; grandchildren Dennis, Adrianne, Jackie, Karl, Jeff, Chrissy, Ernie, Shawn, Mitchell, Melissa and Derek; great grandchildren Lauren, Michael, Eddie, Cassady, Jack, Zach and Jordan; brother Tom, sisters Peggy Knoell and Mary Ann Mitcham. 

Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M., with Rosary at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, January 3, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11001 North 40th Street. Funeral Mass will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 4, 2008, also at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Banner Health Foundation, 2025 North 3rd Street, Suite 350, Phoenix, AZ 85004.