Thomas Holgate Cavicchia

The Reverend Dr. Thomas Holgate Cavicchia, passed away May 27, 2020. He was born to Dominic Angelo and Marion Daid Holgate Cavicchia April 29, 1929 in Newark, N.J. He was educated in Newark public schools and received a bachelors degree from Bloomfield College. He earned a master of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. He was ordained by Newark Presbytery in 1954; he spent the next eight years as pastor of the Ironton and Annapolis Presbyterian churches in Iron County.
In 1961, he married Edith Walker; she preceded him in death in 1964. In 1962, Dr. Cavicchia began his ministry at the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon. In 1965, Dr. Cavicchia married Karen Delight Stockton. He moved to Springfield, with his family in 1971 when he was called as executive Presbyter of John Calvin Presbytery. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1994.
Throughout his career and following his retirement, Dr. Cavicchia was involved in church policy and leadership in Presbytery and general assembly at the regional and national levels. He also was actively involved in volunteer service in his local communities. His involvements include with the Boy Scout Council, Heart Fund, and numerous park and camp programs. He held all offices in both the Mt. Vernon Rotary Club and PTA.  After his retirement, his volunteer activities included fundraising for the American Heart Association, teaching an adult literacy program, and delivering Meals on Wheels.
In 1994, Princeton Theological Seminary honored Dr. Cavicchia with its Distinguished Alumnus Award for his 23 years of administrative service to the Presbyterian Church. A year later, John Calvin Presbytery awarded him the status of Executive Presbyter Emeritus.
He is survived by: wife, Karen; son, Tom (Barbara); daughters, Rebeca (Steve Cassou) Paz and Janine Cavicchia; three grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to his first wife, Dr. Cavicchia was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, John (Doris) Cavicchia; and sister Judith (W. Robb) Kell.
A celebration of life will be held in Springfield and one in Williamsburg, Ohio at a later date. Memorials may be made to Integrity Hospice or Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield, or First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg. Online condolences can be made at gormanscharpf.com.