Dianne Kavanagh, 86, of Lincroft, formerly of Fair Haven, passed away peacefully at home March 14, 2026.
Born March 18, 1939, in New York, New York, Dianne was the daughter of Perry and Audrey LeRoy. She was raised in Queens and graduated from Flushing High School. On Aug. 28, 1965, she married Andrew Kavanagh. The couple began their life together in Woodside, New York, before moving to Fair Haven in 1973.
Dianne began her professional career at McCann Erickson Advertising in New York City, where she worked in the agency’s traffic department and gained valuable experience in the fast-paced advertising industry. Later, following the passing of her husband, she worked alongside her brother managing the family business, Register & Grille, Mfg. Co., Inc. in Brooklyn, New York, for more than 20 years.
Dianne was actively involved in her community throughout her life. She was a former member of the Garden Club of Fair Haven, where she led the first “Green Pinkies” club for students at Sickles School. She was also a longtime member of Tower Hill First Presbyterian Church in Red Bank.
She was predeceased by her parents, Perry and Audrey LeRoy, and by her husband, Andrew Kavanagh.
Dianne is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Kavanagh; her brother, Perry LeRoy; her sister-in-law, Elyse LeRoy; and her nephew, Jonathan LeRoy. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Maureen Kavanagh; her step-grandchildren, Denise, Stephanie and Christopher, and their children, along with several other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dianne will be remembered for her devotion to family, her quiet strength and the kindness she shared with those who knew her.
Visitation and a prayer service were held March 21 at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown.
Those who wish may make contributions in Dianne’s memory to the Associated Humane Society of New Jersey or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
The article originally appeared in the March 26 – April 1, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
