John Kavanagh was born in New York, New York. Kavanagh served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1971 to 1976. He earned a bachelor's degree from New York University in 1973, a graduate degree from St. John's University in 1976, a graduate degree from Rutgers University in 1995, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. Kavanagh's career experience includes working as a college professor and police detective sergeant. He has been affiliated with the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Friends of the Chamber of Commerce.
