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Brian Lavelle Obituary
Lavelle, Sr.
Asheville - Brian Francis David Lavelle, Sr., 71, passed away in his home on Sunday, November 18, 2012.
A native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, he was the son of the late Gerald John and Mary Josephine O'Callaghan Lavelle.
He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1963. He went on to earn his law degree from Vanderbilt University and his Masters degree in taxation from NYU. Brian also served as a Captain in the US Air Force JAG Corps. Following his active duty service, he moved to Asheville and began a very long and prestigious career at the Van Winkle Law Firm. He was a distinguished member of the North Carolina Bar serving twice on the board of Governors. He was a Fellow and Former Regent of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law.
In addition to his law career, Brian was an active member of the Asheville community and served on the Board of trustees for Asheville Country Day, and on the advisory board for the Salvation Army. He was a member of the Rotary, the Board of the Community Foundation of WNC, the Rhododendron Brigade and the Biltmore Forest Country Club. He was a member of All Saints Waccamaw in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Brian is survived by his wife, Sara Hill Lavelle; three children, Francis Lavelle, Jr. and his wife, Junestka, of Marietta, GA, Lisa Bowen and her husband John, of Asheville and Katy Simpson and her husband, Joel, of Richmond, VA; seven grandchildren, Brian the 3rd, Sam, Lilianna, Oliver, Alessa, Peter and Michael. Also surviving are Brian's sister, Kathleen Heffernan and brother, Neal Lavelle, both of Cleveland, Ohio and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 am Wednesday in Trinity Episcopal Church. Burial will be 2:00 pm Saturday at All Saints Waccamaw Old Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the Community Foundation of WNC.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family and the memorial register is available at grocefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Lavelle
Beverly View
December 3, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Brian as his personal assistant at the Van Winkle law firm. He was always good to me and he was upset when I was laid-off. I'll never forget his kindness given to me and others.
December 1, 2012
Sara, My husband and I knew Brian for many years as a customer of our hardware store in Georgetown. We always enjoyed seeing him pop in the door during his visits to the beach and enjoyed his enthusiasm for Pawleys and the love he had for his family time there. We send our thoughts for you and your family knowing his joy for life will stay with all those who knew him - even those of us who knew him only a little.
Bobbie and Buddy McCutchen, McClellanville, SC
David Waites
November 29, 2012
Our family was in Indiana when we heard the news about Brian. I'm sure you are at great loss,as are many of us. I dealt with Brian over about thirty years and learned to like and respect him. He helped me in many ways that I hope never to forget. He was a good friend and I'll miss him.
November 25, 2012
Dear Sara, Lisa, Francis, and Katie and your families--I am so very sorry for the loss of Brian. He will be missed by so many. Know that I will continue to pray for you as you grieve--as Clay said so well, something that you must do--even Jesus grieved over the death of Lazarus. Much love, Kayse Dean
Scott Grahl
November 24, 2012
Lisa, John and Family-Losing a parent is one of the most difficult times we will ever face. You will be in my prayers these days following. God bless you and your family. Scott Grahl
Eleanor Carter
November 23, 2012
Dear Sara,
Heyward and I are so terribly sorry to hear of Brian's tragic death. Heyward has the greatest respect for him and he was one of my favorite ACTEC members. He was always so kind to me and so gentlemanly. We send you love and sympathy.
November 23, 2012
Dearest Sara,
I am sending you tons of love at this time, you are such a light to the rest of us. Please know you are in my fondest thoughts.
Blessings, Susanne Collins
Kay Morgan Dover
November 21, 2012
Brian could light up a room just by walking into it! He will be missed by so many people that loved him. My deepest condolences to all the family. God Bless you Sara, you were a very lucky woman and mother to have him in your life. Hold on to the precious memories that he left with you all.
Whitey Haugan
November 21, 2012
Brian and Sara are people of faith in Jesus. That has made them what they are. Though our acquaintance was brief in time they are eternal friends.
Bill and Barbara Fishburne
November 20, 2012
Brian was a great person and friend. Always thoughtful, helpful and supportive. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Winnie Ziegler
November 20, 2012
Brian made us smile with his jokes, he was a wonderful person and will be missed.
November 19, 2012
Sara,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, and always. Brian was an extraordinary human being. We will always remember and cherish the times we spent with him. Thinking about you, Rabbi Susskind and Chana
Laura Lovik
November 19, 2012
I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was very sad to hear
about Brian's passing. He was such a wonderful man. You all are in my prayers.
Hume Killian
November 19, 2012
Sara, Fran, Lisa and Katy-
I know how much Brian meant to you all and I wish you the best in this challenging time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Wood
November 19, 2012
Brian and I were in competition on St. Ann's playground. At lunch time I would walk to Mitchell's Candy on Euclid Hts Blvd. and buy "Lick M Aid" for a penny and sell it for two cents... everyone loved it because no-one wanted to walk that far. Brian's dad knew the wholesale candy dealers...enough said.
I learned two life lessons: always offer the broadest selection. and always buy wholesale.
Judy Derr
November 19, 2012
Sarah -
Brian was such a sweet man and will be missed by many. It was such a pleasure working with him for the last 7 years at VAn Winkle. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Barbara Morrissey Snelling
November 19, 2012
I knew Brian was struggling with his health but was hopeful. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers for the strength to get through this difficult time. We have wonderful memories of Brian from St. Ann School Class of 1955 and know there is a reunion going on right now!
Terrie Blackburn
November 19, 2012
My hearts go out to you all during this difficult time. I have fond memories of Brian from my time at the VW Lawfirm. He was always such a joy to work with and it was a treat just to be around him. I will remember him fondly.
Terrie Harris Blackburn
Katie Kalarovich
November 19, 2012
Brian and his paralegal, Claudia, were a strong support to Bill and me as we navigated the estate of our daughter, Tara. What a kind, smart and caring man. Brian is missed. Bill and Katie Kalarovich
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