WESTFIELD: Kevin J. Regan, of Westfield, died tragically on December 27th in Yarmouth, Massachusetts. Kevin was born in Springfield, MA on February 25, 1952 to the late Daniel and Elizabeth Ann (Hoar) Regan. Kevin was a 43 year veteran of the Westfield Fire Department. At the time of his death he was the most senior member of WFD, and thus had the honor of wearing badge #1.
Kevin leaves his longtime sweetheart, Lynda Cavanaugh, both of whom were the children of Westfield firefighters. From the local coffee shops of Westfield, to the beaches of Cape Cod, their love only grew with time. They had been together for nearly 33 years, were engaged and had planned to wed. During their time together, they enjoyed spending time with family, and traveling across the country. They were both involved in local and national events to pay tribute to their Irish heritage, including organizing the annual float for The Sons of Erin during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Holyoke, Mass. Most important to both Kevin and Lynda, was their love of Cape Cod. From tailgating on the beach during their younger years, to enjoying simple, quiet nights at their condo, Cape Cod was truly the place where they were at their best.
Kevin was very active in the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 1111 of Westfield. He served the IAFF, Local 1111, as President, Vice-President, and was a member of the Executive Board for over 20 years. Kevin proudly served Westfield and was an advocate for worker’s rights and benefits throughout the Commonwealth.
Kevin was a longtime elected member of the Westfield Retirement Board and the Westfield Insurance Advisory Committee. He also served as President and Event Planner for the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems (MACRS). He was well known for his union activism at the local, state, and national levels.
Kevin was one of the original founding fathers of the Sons of Erin of Westfield, a charter member. He held many positions in the club including treasurer, and member of the board of directors. In addition, he was a charter, and lifetime member of the Sons of Erin Cape Cod. Kevin was very proud of his Irish heritage. He always marched with the Westfield contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and traveled to Ireland several times.
Kevin leaves behind his five brothers, Thomas, Terrence (Georganna), Gerald, Christopher [Captain WFD] (Francine) all of Westfield and Michael of Holbrook, and three sisters, JoAnne Podolski (Donald), Mary [Chief WFD] and Katherine Wailgum (Brian) of Westfield. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Kevin also leaves behind members of the Cavanaugh family, Lynda’s brother Gerald of Hudson, FL and Lynda’s sisters Valerie Zelez (Joe) of Westfield, Maureen Fairlie (Henry) of Florence, MA, Janet Clayman (Alan) of Fort Pierce, FL and was predeceased by Lynda’s brother Joseph. Kevin will also be dearly missed by his many good friends.
Calling hours will be held at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA on Friday, January 9th, 3 pm – 7 pm, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 10th at 10:00 am, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield, immediately following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the National M.S. Society, Greater New England, 101A First Ave, Waltham, MA 02451, or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or The Hundred Club of Massachusetts, Inc., 17 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA 02115. Firtionadams.com
