If you have ever had the pleasure of being around Joseph Philip Cavanaugh, you probably have received one of the bookmarks he handed out. They had a simple message: "God Bless You." His trademark was spreading love and faith of God and he did so with all his heart.

On Monday, Mr. Cavanaugh died at the age of 80. He will be missed by all those who knew him and loved him particularly his wife of 55 years Arline, daughters Mary, Jeanne and Margaret, eight grandchildren and great-granddaughter Erin.

Mr. Cavanaugh was a true American hero, having served his country during World War II. He was a member of both the VFW Adolph Block Post #1305 and the American Legion Mineola Memorial Post #349.

"He was a gentleman beyond gentlemen," said American Legion Mineola Memorial Post #349 commander Sal Cataldo.

Joseph and Arline married in 1949 and moved to their home on Albertson Place in 1953.

Mr. Cavanaugh was involved in the community aside from his membership in the American Legion and VFW. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus (Bishop Kellenberg Council); he was among the original Eucharistic ministers of the Corpus Christi Church and served as hospital minister at Winthrop-University Hospital.

Joseph and Arline had a deep dedication to their faith and an affinity for the Blessed Mother.

In 1999, the couple renewed their marriage vows with a Mass at the Corpus Christi Church. The hymn, On This Day O Beautiful Mother, was played as it was at their wedding in 1949.

On January 10 of this year, about 60 family and friends gathered at the Davenport Press restaurant to celebrate Mr. Cavanaugh's 80th birthday. Mineola Mayor Jack M. Martins presented Mr. Cavanaugh with a citation that proclaimed January 10, 2004 as Joseph Cavanaugh Day throughout the Village of Mineola.

In 2000, Mr. Cavanaugh was honored by the Mineola Chamber of Commerce and was presented with the "We are Mineola Award." In presenting the award, it was stated that he was being honored "because of all the love he spreads around and how he touches our hearts."

With a simple smile and by passing a bookmark that said "God Bless You," Mr. Cavanaugh had the ability to lift a person's spirits and remind everyone of what is truly important in life.

Mr. Cavanaugh led a blessed life and his message to everyone he met is reciprocated. He will be missed, but never forgotten.