Orchard Park: (716) 675-9027
Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Neil Kavanaugh
1960 - 2025
Loading...
D
Donna Neffke posted a condolence
Monday, September 8, 2025
So sorry to hear of Neil,s loss. Neil was more than just a boss to Ron, he was family. Our prayers go out to your family.
Donna Neffke and family
J
J S posted a condolence
Monday, August 18, 2025
Neil was a business mentor for me. We met through a mutual friend. I was an ambitious individual wanting to venture into a new industry. He would read my leases, review my interest rates and bank loan contracts. He helped me fight my taxes on buildings I had just purchased telling me what to do. I have only met Neil at a restaurant one time in person and from there he helped this new stranger as if I was family. He always took my calls and always called me back.
He told me a story about how he has been trying to put a deal together on a property he always wanted to buy but just couldn’t get it done. It was my honor to present Neil a contract that I negotiated for that property that was below the price he thought he would have to pay. I was able to repay the man I respected greatly for everything had already done and would do in the future.
My heart is with his family!! For those who might not of knew Neil, I hope my message helps to explain how this man was so good to our community and this new stranger he just met. Humble, encouraging, honest, real, no Bs, giving, neighborly, leader and family man are just some of many words that quickly come to mind when you think of Neil.
If I haven’t said enough I will say it one more time “ Thank you Neil, you will never be forgotten.
C
Connor Courtney posted a condolence
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Neil was a great cousin and I thought of him like an uncle . I remember at family get togethers we always had very cool conversations about things and he always knew my cool interests in things . I remember I was riding in a Lincoln Navigator with him in 2008 !!I do remember we had a cool conversations when I saw him at Wegmans . He was always so great to me and he was always very kind. I have a lot of great memories of him at the family parties.
F
Frank Stucke posted a condolence
Sunday, August 17, 2025
To a good friend and great neighbor,
You will be truly missed.
We go back not only as neighbors for 22 years but our businesses were right down the street from each other.
Maria and I are blessed to have you, Ellen and your three wounderful sons as our neighbor.
Frank & Maria Stucke
D
Dan Leary posted a condolence
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Hi All,
Outside of family I am one of the few people who knew Neil from day one. Our moms were in Mercy Hospital maternity ward together and Neil and I were born on the same day.
I learned about this as a freshman at St Joe’s when Neil was standing next to me in line. It was a funny conversation that started with “…you’re from South Buffalo? I’m from South Buffalo…”. Eventually we got to the shared birthday fact.
We had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs at St Joe’s. Plenty of rides to Kenmore Avenue and back with a few other knuckleheads who decided that Timon was too close to home for some reason.
Although we lost regular contact as the years passed since St Joe’s Neil was a friend. He was always kind to me. It is good to look back on the times where we would have a few beers and a comedy act would break out.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. RIP Neil.
Dan “Dee” Leary
C
Chris Fiorello posted a condolence
Saturday, August 16, 2025
When I first met Neil, it was in the role of a vendor to him and his team at Consumers. Over time, however, that professional relationship grew into something much more meaningful. Neil became a friend.
What I’ll always remember about Neil was the way he cared. No matter what was going on, he always asked about me and my family, and he did so with genuine kindness.
Neil spoke so proudly of you, Ellen, and of his boys. His love for his family was always at the center of our conversations, whether it was in the stories he told, the laughter we shared, or in the holiday cards he sent each year that captured your family’s warmth.
I’ll also never forget the laughs we shared—many of them around that conference room table. Those lighter moments are memories I’ll always hold onto, because they showed Neil’s humor and warmth.
I will miss Neil—not as a client, but as a confidant and a friend I was lucky to have in my life. Please know that I hold him, and all of you, in my heart with gratitude for the gift of knowing him.
M
Mike Tucci & Lisa Hartnett Tucci/Hartness donated to Donoway Center Foundation For Pancreatic Liver And Advanced Canc
Friday, August 15, 2025
Please wait
D
Donna Vullo donated to Donoway Center Foundation For Pancreatic Liver And Advanced Canc
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Dear Ellen, Neil, Owen and Rory: It has been an honor and a privilege to assist Neil with his marketing over the past 15 years. While he was incredibly astute in business, he was also compassionate and welcoming to so many. He lives on in all of you...may your cherished memories give you comfort and his exceptinal legacy provide you strength. If there's one thing that's always been evident-you were the loves of his life. I know for certain that he'll be watching over you for eternity. Neil as well as all of you will continue to be in my prayers. Love, Donna Vullo
Please wait
E
Ed Black posted a condolence
Thursday, August 14, 2025
August 14, 2025
Ed Black wrote a sympathy message
“It is with great sorrow that I am leaving this message. It was my privilege to have known Neil for almost 40 years. We did business with Consumers Beverages regularly and Neil and I would speak frequently. While the conversations always started by discussing business, they always, somehow, became more about jokes and humorous stories, I am going to miss our interactions more than I can say. Neil was just a great person and a very good friend, my sincere condolences to all of his family!”
M
MARY Mcnamara posted a condolence
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Dear Mary Ellen, So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
C
Cole H posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
I speak for all kids of the neighborhood when I say Mr. Neil went above and beyond for us growing up. His generosity and graciousness as a host, taking an interest in our schooling and sports, and never letting us leave without an Arizona ice tea will never be forgotten.
I am truly thankful to have known him.
To Ellen, Neil, Owen & Rory, you are always in our prayers.
T
Trish Emhof posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Ellen, We were so sorry to hear about Neil. His incredible sense of humor and dry wit were truly one of a kind, and we feel lucky to have shared so many laughs with him over the years.
Please know we’re keeping you, Neil, Owen, and Rory in our thoughts and sending our love, prayers, and strength during this difficult time. May you be consoled by his memory and God's presence in your life.
Joe & Trish Emhof
5
The family of Neil Kavanaugh uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
/tribute-images/1404/Ultra/Neil-Kavanaugh.jpg
Please wait
J
Jill Tripi posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Neil was my friend and a great man. One of my husbands best friends. One night after a Nativity school event everyone (adults and older children) jumped into Mike Capriotto’s newly restored milk/Ice cream truck w leather bench seats in the back. Neil of course brought some beer he had after sponsoring the event as he always had. About a dozen drove to mighty taco. Parked in the parking lot. Opened the back door to pile out and there sits an OP cop. Neil says very kindly Hello officer would you like a beer? Such a funny, generous, hard working, loving man. ❤️
About Us
We are honored and privileged to be able to help families and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet your needs. What ever your faith, a traditional wake service or burial, cremation or memorial we will work within your budget to provide you with a service that will meet your expectations.
Orchard Park
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
3155 Orchard Park Road
Orchard Park, New York
14127
Tel: (716) 675-9027
[Get Directions]
Buffalo
James W. Cannan Funeral Home, Inc
2397 Seneca Street
Buffalo, New York
14210
Tel: (716) 822-1773
[Get Directions]