Charles Timothy Caveny

BURNHAM-On Thursday, March 9, 2023, Charles Timothy Caveny (Tim), 84, passed away peacefully in his home after a long battle with COPD, with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.

He was born on the 6th of June 1938, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the only child of Charles Leroy Caveny and Maxine Delores Perry. He graduated from East Denver High School, continued his formal education at Cooper Union in New York, and graduated with a degree in Sculpture from The Museum School of Art in Boston, MA.

He proudly served in the United States Navy, joining in June 1955. He was assigned to the USS Glacier (AGB-4) as a photographer’s mate, where he was instrumental in the mapping of Antarctica. Once while taking photos hanging out of the helicopter, it crashed on an ice cap and he survived as documented in National Geographic in 1961. His naval photographs can be seen in Deepfreeze 61 Task Force 43 and he was honorably discharged as a PH3 in June 1963.

Upon discharge from the U.S. Navy, Tim became a finish carpenter in Boston, working on numerous sets for the Boston Orchestra. He met and married the love of his life, Marcia, in Boston 1968, and soon after established their home in Burnham, Maine, filling it with the love and warmth they both embodied. He built an impressive career as a Carpenter and Millwright and was a proud member of the North Atlantic Carpenters Union.

He enjoyed classical music tremendously and played the violin for many years. He continued to practice his art in many forms throughout his life, from drawing and prints, cartoons for his friends, intricate wood carvings, and was teaching himself to play the guitar in his final years. He was also an avid hunter, trapper, and fishermen. He was an active member in town committees, including chairing for the local democratic party. He most loved watching his children and grandchildren excel in their passions and educational pursuits.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his loving wife of 41 years, Marcia Littlewood Rugg Caveny, in December 2009. He is survived by his children, Margaret Leah (Caveny) Piatt and her husband William, of Pittsfield, Maine, Timothy Noah Caveny, and wife Jacklyn of Dallas, Texas, and former daughter in law Yasuko Caveny, of Stafford, Virginia; five grandchildren, Caleb Caveny, Cadence Caveny, Michaela Piatt, Maxine Piatt, and Asa Caveny. He would also like to recognize Donna Bubar, of Burnham, Maine, who was instrumental in his care and a dear friend.

There will be no visitation as he has chosen cremation; An Irish wake will be held at his home in Burnham on Sunday March 19th at 2 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tim’s memory may be made to the Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, 3121 Hotel Road, Auburn, Maine, 04210, of which he and Marcia were ardent supporters.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pittsfield.