In Memoriam - Matthew J. “Matty” Kavanah

Matthew J. “Matty” Kavanah, a long-time resident of Hastings on Hudson, died this past Tuesday, Sept.16, at age 80.

Matty was born in 1933 in Yonkers. He was the son of Margaret and Frank Kavanah. They moved to Hastings when he was very young and he spent almost all of his life in Hastings.

Matty served in the US Army, stationed in Alaska during the Korean War. He worked in construction on many local projects, including an addition to Hastings High School. He coached Pop Warner football and remained an avid youth sports enthusiast, often attending local high school games.

Matty’s other passion was the Hastings on Hudson Fire Department. He joined the department in 1956 and was its longest-serving member. He served as Captain of Uniontown Hose Co. 2, where he was described as a “go-to” firefighter. He also served as a driver in the Ambulance Corps. He received awards as both a firefighter and ambulance corps member, and stood by for two days with the ambulance near Ground Zero after the attacks of 9/11.

Matty remained an active presence at the ambulance headquarters up until last year, keeping the ambulances and the headquarters clean and in good repair. He always greeted everyone with a smile as they headed out on ambulance calls—but he never hesitated to speak up if something wasn’t in good order.

Matty was also a member of the Hastings Southside Social & Athletic Club.

Matty is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and his son, John. He is also survived by two siblings: Frank and Francine (“Alverna.”) He was predeceased by brothers Tom, George, Grant, Benjamin and Calvert, and also by sister Deanna. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Judith. He leaves three step-children, Dorothy, Kenneth and Harry, and a grandson, Christopher.

A wake will be held at Edwards Dowdle Funeral Home in Dobbs Ferry on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 7-9pm and on Friday, Sept. 19, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 11:00am at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church in Hastings on Hudson.

The family asks that donations be sent to the Hastings on Hudson Fire Dept. Ambulance Corps, 47 Main St., Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706.