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Celebrating the life of F. Patrick Kavanaugh, Jr.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
WHEREAS, F. Patrick Kavanaugh, Jr., a devoted public servant, respected member of the Virginia Beach community, and beloved father, died on June 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, born in Lynchburg, Patrick “Pat” Kavanaugh moved with his family to Virginia Beach in 1960 and became a lifelong and proud member of the community; and
WHEREAS, Pat Kavanaugh was a graduate of Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg and attended Virginia Wesleyan University, laying a foundation for a life marked by service, leadership, and integrity; and
WHEREAS, in November 1978, Pat Kavanaugh was voted in as an operational member of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. (VBVRS), beginning decades of dedicated volunteer emergency service to the citizens of Virginia Beach; and
WHEREAS, after 10 years of active operational service, Pat Kavanaugh became a life member of the VBVRS in November 1988, reflecting his sustained commitment and exemplary contributions; and
WHEREAS, in 1986, Pat Kavanaugh led the formation of the VBVRS Honor Guard, establishing an elite ceremonial unit that continues to uphold the traditions and solemn duties of the organization; and
WHEREAS, on January 8, 1987, Pat Kavanaugh experienced the tragic loss of his wife, Kimberley Bobbit Johnson Kavanaugh, who died in the line of duty as a communications dispatcher for the City of Virginia Beach 911 Center, and he bore this profound loss with resilience and continued devotion to his rescue squad family; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, Pat Kavanaugh was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by Virginia Beach police chief Charles R. Wall for courageously intervening in an attempted abduction, thereby preventing serious harm to the victim and demonstrating extraordinary bravery and civic responsibility; and
WHEREAS, in 1992, Pat Kavanaugh was honored as Squad Member of the Year by the VBVRS, recognizing his outstanding service and leadership; and
WHEREAS, in 1993, Pat Kavanaugh was elected by his fellow members to serve as squad captain, a testament to the trust and respect he earned through his dedication and character; and
WHEREAS, on April 6, 2012, when an F-18 Hornet aircraft crashed into his apartment complex in Virginia Beach, Pat Kavanaugh once again exemplified courage and selflessness by immediately assisting an injured pilot despite his own significant health challenges; and
WHEREAS, Pat Kavanaugh served the region professionally through his work with Tidewater Regional Transit and later Hampton Roads Transit, contributing to the safe and reliable transportation of citizens throughout the Hampton Roads area; and
WHEREAS, Pat Kavanaugh will be fondly remembered for his love of fishing and hunting, his devotion to his family, including his son Patrick and three sisters, Libba, Kim, and Peeps, and his steadfast commitment to serving others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of F. Patrick Kavanaugh, Jr., whose legacy of courage, service, and devotion to the Commonwealth and the City of Virginia Beach will forever inspire all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of F. Patrick Kavanaugh, Jr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.