Obituary of Martin A. Cavanagh

Martin Aloysius Cavanagh December 16, 1927 – May 23, 2015 Martin A. Cavanagh, a resident of Manhasset, NY, died in his home on May 23, 2015. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Marie (McCarthy) Cavanagh. One of 10 children and the son of John Joseph (Tipperary, Ireland) and Sabina (Keeley) Cavanagh (County Clare, Ireland). Brother in Law of David P. McCarthy (Peggy). Martin graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School, Rice High School, Fordham University and John Jay Criminal College. After high school, Martin enlisted in the service. From 1946 through 1947, Martin proudly served his country as part of the United States Army occupation force in Oitia, Japan receiving Veteran status for his service. During his tenure in the Army, Martin worked for the Office of Strategic Services(OSS)- the predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency(CIA). He also worked on the historic Cold War anti-communist black propaganda operation. After the service, while attending Fordham, Martin joined the police force in 1953. He graduated from Fordham University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Martin also earned his Master’s in Criminology. Martin served as a member of the US Department of Justice tactical security detail that protected the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the historic March on Washington in 1968 ... he also served as part of the security detail team for New York Mayor John Lindsay who managed to keep New York City riot free when Dr. King was assassinated. Martin retired from the New York City Police Department as a Detective First Grade in 1977, and subsequently retired from the Federal Reserve Bank in New York in 1994. A devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish in Manhasset, Martin was an active member of the community with volunteer service to the American Legion Post 304 (Vice Commander & Secretary), the Holy Name Society, former member of the Emerald Society, the Manhasset Men’s Club, the Bayview Civic Association and a past member of Port Washington Yacht Club. Martin and Carol had 5 children; Carol-Anne Condon (Edward R.); Mary-Jean Wasley (Bradford); Ellen J. Cavanagh McNulty (Thomas F.); Kathleen Joy Ross (Peter R.); Martin Robert (Bob) Cavanagh (Tara). He is survived by his 5 children, 4 sons-in-law, 1 daughter-in-law, 8 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, his brother Edward F. Cavanagh (Catherine), brother-in-law Edwin H. Walsh and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Flowers and condolences can be sent to Fairchild Sons, 1570 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030, with viewings between the hours of 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27th and Thursday, May 28th. There will be a funeral mass held at 10:00 am on Friday, May 29th, at St. Mary’s RC Church, 1300 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030. Interment will be at Holy Rood Cemetery, 111 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 in memory of Martin A. Cavanagh or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York City – Southern New York, 733 Third Avenue, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10017