Robert L. Kavan, known as “Bobby” and a lifelong resident of Westhampton Beach, died on July 26 at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook. He was 89.
Mr. Kavan was born in East Quogue to William T. and Alice V. Kavan on July 12, 1925. He attended school in both East Quogue and Westhampton Beach. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning the rank of sergeant, and was awarded a Purple Heart, among numerous other medals. His unit helped free a concentration camp.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Mr. Kavan returned to his hometown and settled into a job with the U.S. Postal Service, assigned to the Westhampton Beach office. He met the love of his life, Ginny Losse, and they married in the mid 1950s.
Mr. Kavan spent his retirement enjoying his many passions: oil painting, creating handmade Christmas ornaments, walking long distances in all weather and shopping. Survivors said he was proud to be a patriot, artist, jokester, volunteer at the Westhampton Presbyterian Church, baker, landscaper and above all else, family man. He was always fun, carefree and assigned himself the nickname “Old Goat,” survivors said.
Mr. Kavan is survived by two sons, Evan of California and Christopher of New Jersey; two granddaughters, Courtinay and Ashley; his siblings, Bud, Pete, Tom and wife Kara, Ginny Schmeimann, Betty Ashauer, and Joanne Sube and husband Ralph Hathaway; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Ginny; and brother Bruce.
Memorial donations may be made to the Westhampton Presbyterian Deacons, 90 Meeting House Road, Quiogue, NY 11978.
on Aug 5, 2014