John Bernard Cavey, Sr, 67, of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, passed away at his home on Monday, July 23, 2018 from complications of Diabetes. A native to Baltimore, Maryland, John attended Woodlawn High School and played baseball during his formative years. He later married and began a lifelong career in music. John’s sense of humor and love of music is something that proceeds him as he named his 3 children after songs by the Jersey Boys, Chuck Berry and The Beatles.
In addition to John’s tremendous love of his children and family, he was a good friend to many of his neighbors at Westminster Place, a Presbyterian community where he retired several years ago after taking an early retirement from Montgomery County where he worked for 30 years in civil engineering. His good friend Bill Layman describes him as “occupying a unique niche” within Grace Fellowship’s Adopt a Block team. According to Bill, John’s “lifelong love of music, as well as an active role as a disk jockey, has designated him the role of providing entertainment for special events. Besides his extensive collection of music, his forte is tailoring music programs to the tastes of his audiences.”
“John began providing entertainment in an unusual way. He stocked shelves at night for Safeway in Westminster, Maryland. When he was off work, he would record eight-hour reel-to-reel programs that he played during work hours. From his unique start, he graduated into providing entertainment for parties and weddings. In the late 1970’s, John served on the Board of Directors for the Chargers. During that period, he recorded music for halftime and post game celebrations.”
“John met Jesus during what he describes as a ‘very dark time’ in his life, and he gives God the credit for bringing him through that period. He encourages anyone going through a desperate time to turn to Jesus, “pray, and get involved. There is always another day.’’
John is survived by his daughters Michelle M. Cavey and Sherry L. Morrison (James) and his 3 grandchildren Vincent, Heather and Emma Morrison; his mother Betty Robinette Hesse; his sister Lee Smith (Ken), his nieces Heather Fitzpatrick (Matt) and Danielle Smith, his great-niece Gwyneth Fitzpatrick and great-nephew Ian Smith; his sister Marci Furnish (Gary), his nephew Adam Olson (Jane), his 2 great-nieces and great-nephew, his niece Angela Olson-Elise, his nephew John Furnish (spouse) and children, his nephew Allen Furnish (spouse) and children; his sister Elizabeth Cavey (spouse) and children; his half-sister JoAnn Goldsborough (George), his niece Amy Horst (Jeremy), his great-nieces Autumn and Brooke Horst, his nephew PFC Joseph Murray (Reyna), his great-nephew Alexander Murray, his nephews Christopher and Matthew Murray, and his half-brother John Shumar (spouse) and children. John is preceded in death by his grandparents, John F. and Mary E. Robinette; his aunt Jane Robinette; his father, Leo Bernard Cavey; his first wife, Shirley Roberta Walters-Wardell, and their son, John Bernard Cavey Jr.
A dual cremation memorial service will be held at 10am on Monday, August 13, 2018 at Grace Fellowship Church, 74 E Forrest Ave, Shrewsbury, PA 17361, to celebrate the life of John and his late son, John Bernard Cavey Jr, who passed away suddenly on July 15, 2017 in Pennsylvania. Pastor Mark Fair will be officiating. Friends and family are welcome to attend. A small reception will follow at the church from 11am-12pm, but out of respect for the family, the Burial is private for family only. Online condolences can be left on Facebook “In Loving Memory of John B. Cavey Sr. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of John and his late son can be made to Grace Fellowship Church. The family is grateful for your condolences during this difficult time.
To offer online condolences and share memories, visit: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/229272877920957/permalink/229675831213995/)
A special thanks to Bill Layman for use of the quoted material. Cremation Services of Lancaster 717-273-6283
Big John, it is your sister JoAnn. Miss you so much, miss our talks. Mom will be with you soon enough and I know you will look out for her. My heart is broken and the tears keep coming. Wish you were here to talk too. Love you!
Dec. 2 2018 Happy Birthday Brother. Love you and miss you. Your SISTER JoAnn
John was a good man – he enjoyed music and DJ’ing but loved people far greater. He always put others first in his actions not just words. I will miss the phone conversations and visits each week to the Westminster Place where John would always keep the Adopt-A-Block (AAB) team up to speed on events and more importantly the residents. He would call me asking for us to pray for certain people at the Westminster Place, he DJ’ed many of the events put on by AAB or the Westminster Place directly. 1 Corinthians 10:24- Let know one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. John lived those words and cared deeply about others. He loved and was greatly loved. I am very thankful for John’s friendship. My deepest sympathy for John’s daughter’s Michelle, Sherry and Son-In James. Peace be with you all during your time of loss. Bill
My kids and I have thought of you often throughout the years. Your heart felt actions will be remembered of you with your step grandchildren. They always remembered you as Pop Pop John and would talk lovingly of the times that you would “swing a swing” then in your arms. Rest easy John.
I’m so very sorry about your dad. We had our ups and downs during our 12 yrs of marriage. He was a caring man and a good man. May the Lord take him in His arms. Rest in peace John ( Buzzard) Cavey.