Madison - John P, Kavanaugh III, age 76, of Madison, passed away suddenly on January 13, 2026. He was born on June 7, 1949, in Madison, the son of John “Jack” and Jane (Colwell) Kavanaugh.

John leaves behind his wife, Linda of 48.5 years, children, Jackie Kavanaugh, John “LJ” (Sarah) Kavanaugh, Holly (Travis) Peltier and Bridget Kavanaugh. Grandchildren, Kylie (Zach) Kavanaugh, Kady (Ben) Peltier, Cole Peltier, Cam Peltier and Quinn Peltier. Siblings, Patti (Tom) Caputo, Kathy Uhalt, Tom (Cathy) Kavanaugh and Kevin (Colleen) Kavanaugh. Numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Bill & Gerry Phillips, sister-in-law, Gwen Phillips and his nephew, Tony Caputo.

John Kavanaugh was one of those rare people who didn’t just belong to a community—he held it together.

John devoted many years to his professional industry, and The City of Madison, where he lived and loved for 76 years, He had so many affiliations we can’t list them all. If there was a committee meeting, he was there.

For more than 70 years, Kavanaugh's Esquire Club has been a cornerstone of the community, and John was its heart. To walk through those doors was to feel immediately known, welcomed, and included—whether it was your first visit or your hundredth. John had an effortless way of making everyone feel like they mattered, because to him, they truly did.

Hospitality wasn’t a job for John; it was who he was. He embraced its spirit fully and genuinely, setting a standard that can’t be taught and won’t be forgotten. His generosity was relentless, his kindness unassuming, and his presence reassuring. He didn’t just serve up cocktails —he created a place where people gathered to celebrate life.

John was the first recipient of The Spirit of Hospitality Award—a distinction that perfectly reflected the way he lived every day. For those who knew him, the award didn’t come as a surprise; it simply put a name to what the community already knew.

John was deeply honored to be part of so many families’ most important moments. Weddings were toasted, children were welcomed, anniversaries celebrated, milestones marked, and memories made—often around a table where he also sat. For generations, families trusted John with their joy, their traditions, and their togetherness.

He knew names. He remembered stories. He told fantastic jokes. He showed up. And in doing so, he made people feel at home.

John believed in family, his faith and community and we could never honor his life without asking the community to celebrate with us. His story has always been intertwined with the people he served, welcomed, and cared for—and it is together that his life is best remembered.

John Kavanaugh leaves behind more than a business or a legacy—he leaves behind a living example of what it means to truly care for others. His impact will continue in every shared meal, every celebration, and every moment of connection that happens because of the foundation he built.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever woven into the fabric of the community he loved so well.

A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI at 12pm, on Thursday January 22, 2026, with Father Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 10am until the time of the service on Thursday. A luncheon will follow the service at The Esquire Club, 1025 N. Sherman Ave, Madison WI 53704.

Memorials may be made to The ALS Foundation in his name for Patti Caputo or towards the Madison Honor Flight in his name. To view this guestbook and to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

John Kavanaugh III

June 07, 1949 - January 13, 2026

Send Local Flowers & Gifts for John

Categories