Michael Eugene Kavanaugh

Master Sergeant (retired) Michael E. Kavanaugh, 75, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on November 25, 2022. He was born on April 25, 1947, to Ignacio and Marie Antoinette Kavanaugh in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

After Michael graduated from West Las Vegas High School in 1965, he attended New Mexico Highlands University. He married his high school sweetheart, Rita Rael, in September 1968. Shortly after their marriage he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for 20 years. During his time in the military, he held many positions in the fire department, working his way up to Fire Chief. During his military career, he had assignments throughout the world, including Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan; RAF Alconbury, England; Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; and Greenland. He was the last Military Fire Chief at Cheyenne Mountain AFS (NORAD) and retired as Deputy Chief at Peterson AFB, Colorado. After retirement, he attended Southern Illinois University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development. Soon after receiving his degree, he began his nearly 20-year career at TVI/CNM as Director and Instructor of the Fire Science Program. He always sought to better fire service through education and helped countless students pursue their careers in fire protection.

Michael served his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus (First Degree Knight), American Legion, and Elks Club. He was a lifelong musician and drummer in bands such as the original Impalas and countless others. He was one of the founding committee members of the Las Vegas Musicians Reunited. Their committee work culminated in a memorial that recognized over 500 musicians past and present in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and surrounding communities.

Michael was preceded in his death by his parents Ignacio and Marie Antoinette Kavanaugh and brothers Robert Kavanaugh and Leo Kavanaugh. He is survived by his wife Rita (Rael) Kavanaugh, their daughters Melinda Kavanaugh and Yvonne (Kavanaugh) Montaño and husband Abel Montaño, granddaughter Micayla Kavanaugh and husband Ivan Fuentes, grandson Nathan Montaño, sister-in-law Sharlene Kavanaugh, and beloved dog Carmelita, plus numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services will be held on December 15, 2022, at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. Rosary at 8:00 a.m., Mass at 9:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the Parish Hall.