Thomas Gary Cavanagh, lovingly known as Gary, a resident of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 13th, 2025 at the age of 89. Born in New York City on March 5, 1936, Gary was raised in Woodside, Queens, where he developed the strong, enduring values of family, faith, and hard work that would define his life. Filled with positivity and endless energy, Gary lived life to the fullest. ……..

A dedicated student and gifted athlete, Gary graduated from St. Ann’s Academy High School in Manhattan and earned a basketball scholarship to Manhattan College. He excelled academically, receiving the Class Marketing Medal and a fellowship to the University of Miami Graduate School of Business. He later completed a Master of Science degree at Rutgers University while establishing his professional career.

His professional life spanned 32 years with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, where he was the Director of Marketing. He later served as Vice President of its parent company, American Home Products, Inc. (later acquired by Pfizer). While proud of his career accomplishments, Gary’s family was always his greatest source of pride.

The center of Gary’s life was his family, beginning with his beloved wife, Margaret “Peggy” McElroy, also from Woodside, Queens. They shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and steadfast devotion. Gary was a loving husband, a proud and supportive father, and a devoted “Grandpa,” finding his ultimate joy in his family. 

The son of an Irish immigrant, Gary was a masterful storyteller with a great love for telling a good joke. He was an avid history reader, enjoyed Irish music, and relished traveling.   He and Peggy were devout members of St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan,  St. Thomas More Catholic church in Darien, CT and St. William in Naples, Fl.  Gary was a member of the Arimathean Choir at St. William and volunteered for many years at the Village Oaks School in Immokalee, Florida,

Gary was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Peggy Cavanagh, and his parents, Thomas and Jessie Cavanagh.   He is survived by his children: Mary Kroll (Jeff) of Wilton, Gary Cavanagh of Simsbury, Eileen Cavanagh (Chris Brown) of Westbrook, Jeanne Cavanagh of Madison, and Elizabeth Kaliski (Drew) of Wilton and his sister Carol Mott.  He was a deeply loved Grandpa to Madeline, Emma, Colin, Caroline, Olivia, Grady, Sean, and Kelly.

Gary is being compassionately cared for by the Staff at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan CT 06840. For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com..