J. Bruce Vavala

J. Bruce Vavala, age 70 of Dewey Beach, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at his home. He was born on December 24, 1952, in Wilmington, DE, son of the late Joseph and Anne Vavala.
Bruce attended Archmere Academy, Class of 1970 and continued his education at the University of Delaware, graduating in 1975. He was a teacher and a realtor and eventually the shop owner of Vavala's Beach Things. In 1981, Bruce was elected the very first mayor of Dewey Beach. He had many interests and hobbies, including cooking, playing golf at Kings Creek Country Club, of which he was a member, and Dewey Beach Lions Club. Bruce enjoyed watching sports, in particular Notre Dame football and the Philadelphia Eagles. Above all, he cherished time spent with those he held most dear, especially his adored grandchildren. Bruce was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Loved by many, his larger-than-life personality will be genuinely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Vavala. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Eileen Vavala of Dewey Beach, DE; his daughter, Kristine Vavala (RJ Martin) of Dewey Beach, DE; his son, Joseph Vavala (Allison) of Rehoboth Beach, DE; and his grandchildren: Lila Vavala and Tommy Vavala, both of Rehoboth Beach, DE; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at St. Edmond Church, 409 King Charles Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, NPCF, PO Box 189, Box Elder, SD 57719, or https://www.npcf.us/donate-directly/.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 8AM MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.