Obituary of Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett
April 27, 2023
Sean Arthur Harry Kavanagh-Dowsett, age 56, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 27 April 2023 after a courageous battle with first osoephagus and then aggressive brain cancer . Sean will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Nicky Perry, his daughter Audrey Kavanagh-Dowsett, his mother Margaret and his twin sisters Tara and Scarlett and their families.
Sean was born October, 14, 1966 in Northampton, England to father Harry Dennis Dowsett and mother Margaret Patrica Kavanagh. Sean spent a happy and formative school life at Bedford School after which he thrived at combining modelling and working in the hospitality business in London. In the early 90’s he first visited New York and instantly fell in love with the city he never left and was to call “home". In 1994 Sean met the love of his life Nicky Perry at her British restaurant, Tea & Sympathy. On their first date Sean proudly said " The two of us - we could conquer the world together!” Sean And Nicky were married in 1996 in Las Vegas and in 2004 they went on to have their much longed for, beautiful daughter Audrey Patricia whom brought them great joy.
In 1996 they achieved great success extending their empire and opening British cornucopia "Carry On Tea & Sympathy" and in 2020 they added fish and chip shop “A Salt and Battery". Sean’s life revolved around the love for his family and Tea & Sympathy and will forever be referred to as “The King of Greenwich Village”. His kindness, charm and humour are what he will always be remembered for as well as his love for life and a fabulous pair of shoes/sneakers. He will be dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him and we are left with a huge "Sean shaped hole".
A memorial service will be held at Greenwich Village Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker St., on Tues., May 9, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a nondenominational service with speakers at 7 PM. Sharpies will be provided for everyone who wants to pen a message to Sean on his casket. In the spirit of Sean, please wear your finest attire.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
https://donation.macmillan.org.uk
https://support.northwell.edu/lenox-hill-hospital-donation
Funeral Services
Memorial Service
May 9, 2023
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Greenwich Village Funeral Home
199 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
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Sean you fought the fight, lived life to the full, brought such panache to family occasions, built a life with Nicky and Audrey. We will miss you. Safe passage cousin. Love Ita x
Posted by: Ita Kavanagh - Portlaoise , Co Laois - Family April 30, 2023
It’s hard to know where to start with Sean as there are so many stories to tell. I was lucky enough to have him as a close friend through our formative years at school and on into adult life. He remained kind, funny, loyal, honourable, helpful, optimistic and just profoundly decent throughout. From the day I first met him at school he never had a bad word to say about anyone and just brought smiles, laughter and happiness to all he met. He was best man at my wedding and, with Nicky, made that day perfect. I can never thank him enough for being a part of my life and I will miss him always.
Posted by: Martin Edwards - Bedford, United Kingdon - Friend May 9, 2023
I was the Creative Director on the Captain Morgan business at Grey NY for many years, and I often had Sean come in and do voiceover for the UK market. He was always the bright spot of my week. He was so fun and alive. I loved working with him. We had a really good time. By freak coincidence or kismet, tonight I was randomly having dinner at Jack and Charlie’s. And the waiter said sorry for the delay with your drinks. 100 people are at the bar for a memorial for the owner of Tea and Sympathy. When I left, and was waiting for my Uber, I saw A Salt and Battery, and was telling my wife and daughter about how I worked with the owner Sean. Then it all hit me. He owned Tea and Symphony, too. The memorial was for him. I was at Jack and Charlie’s for a reason. God bless Sean. In my small little interactions with him, he made my world better.
Posted by: Rob Baiocco - New York, NY - Coworker May 10, 2023
I will miss your wry observations on life as a Brit transplant. Sean was a generous, kind, and compassionate person who loved life, and his family and who had the best B.S. radar on the planet. Miss you. Rest In Power.
Posted by: Paul Katz - New York, NY - Friend August 11, 2023
