WESTFIELD – Thomas J. Gavin, of Westfield, MA, (1928-2021) passed on July 1, 2021.
Born in Springfield, MA on Easter Monday, April 10, 1928 to Bridget T. (Flynn) and William F. Gavin, who both came to the U.S. from County Tipperary, Ireland. Tom was the third of three sons, the one with red hair and freckles. His brothers Ed and Bill predeceased him in 1991 and 2007, respectively. After graduating from Cathedral High School, Tom graduated from The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1950. He served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Coral Sea. Once landside, Tom met “his bride” Rosemary Johnson and they were married on June 22, 1957 at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield. If you ever met Tom, he told you about his career as a pharmacist and in pharmaceutical sales. He had an active community life: teaching CCD, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 100, serving on the Westfield Housing Commission, participating in the Cancer House of Hope’s Illumination Nights, a charter member of Westfield’s Sons of Erin, and long-time communicant of St Mary’s, along with countless selfless acts for those in need.
He is survived by his bride Rosemary, children: Daniel (Crystal), Faith (Chuck), Jerome (Donna), and Maureen. He leaves cherished grandchildren Ben, Sean, Tim, Shannon, and great-grandson Colt; nephews Jim and Tim, and beloved niece Ellen. Tom’s family is forever grateful for the dignified kindness and care extended to him by the selfless caregivers from Aging-At-Home, Overlook VNA, along with the nursing and hospice staff at the Daly Center.
Calling hours are Thursday, July 8th from 3 to 6 pm at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. His funeral will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 10AM in the funeral home followed by a Celebration of Life Mass on Friday, July 9th (which is Jerry’s 60th birthday – what timing Tom!) at St. Mary’s at 11 am followed by burial with Military Honors in St. Mary’s Cemetery. May Tom’s indomitable sense of humor always make your smile ripple. www.firtionadams.com
