Millers Falls, Philip J. Cavanaugh, Jr. “Chef,” mentor, “Big Fig”, Bass Player, Bagpiper, Phil was born in Northampton Aug. 11, 1957 and graduated ARHS class of 1975. An avid U M Minuteman and all-Boston sports fan, he served in and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1980. With several college courses in HRTA, Phil was the last professional chef in-residence on campus at U Mass (Butterfield) prior to his early retirement to Maine where he served as chef to summer campers and Gould Academy students. He was a member of the Amherst VFW post and a former member of the Springfield Kiltie Band. He and his wife returned to the area in 2012 to Franklin County.

Phil was a lifelong musician playing in many area bands through the years and co-hosting the “Sounds of Amherst” reunions in So. Amherst. He was also a fisherman, boater, genealogist, historian, bird and insect lover, and a great friend to dogs and chipmunks, bunnies and other critters.

He leaves his devoted soul mate of 35 years, Charlotte Cavanaugh; his darling sweetie daughter, Charity Anne Robinson of Wellfleet, MA, his mom Nancy and brothers Dave, Glenn and Brian of the Amherst/Hadley area and many, many friends and relatives throughout New England and beyond. An outstanding human being, he will be well and truly missed.

Calling hours will be Thursday September 27, at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst from 4:00 – 6:30 pm; with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.