John C. Gavallas

John C. Gavallas
"Loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle"
John C. Gavallas, 80, of Watertown, CT, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and welcomed into the arms of the Lord. He was the beloved husband of the late Roxana (Hays) Gavallas.
John was born in Meriden, CT on November 22, 1945, a son of the late Nicholas and Sarah (Clayton) Gavallas. He grew up in Wallingford where he attended local schools and later served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. After his honorable discharge, John earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Mattatuck Community College. Thereafter, he began his law enforcement career in August 1969, with the Watertown, CT Police Department. Starting as a Patrol Officer, John rose through the ranks to serve in the positions of Detective, Detective Sergeant, Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief, and ultimately as Chief of Police from June 2007 until his retirement on December 31, 2020, concluding 51 years of devoted service to the Watertown community.
After his retirement in 2020, John continued to serve the community he loved in many ways. He was twice elected to the Watertown Board of Education and served on the Police Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, honoring and remembering officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition, John served on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association where he held the position of President from June 2017 to June 2018, as well as on the Boards of The Hundred Club of Connecticut, and Water-Oak Crime Stoppers.
More important than his dedicated service to his country and community, John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He provided for his family and created countless cherished memories. Each summer, he loved taking family vacations – often to Virginia Beach, as well as on numerous treasured trips throughout New England.
John and his family shared many joyful holidays together, especially Christmases, Thanksgivings, and summer celebrations at the beach or watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. He always supported his children in every endeavor, even serving as Cub Scout Master for Pack 52 while his boys participated.
Known lovingly as "Poppy," John adored his four grandchildren and took immense joy in attending their soccer, basketball, and softball games, track and cross country meets, dance recitals, and band concerts. He was present for every birthday and holiday, his love shining through in his kindness, generous time, encouragement, and pride in his family. In his free time, John was an avid reader of true crime and political books.
Left to honor and cherish his memory are his two sons, Tim Gavallas and his wife Heidi of Watertown; Matt Gavallas and his wife Christine of Berlin; his four cherished grandchildren: Teige, Ty, Bella, and Gina; his brother, Nicholas Gavallas and his wife Aleida of Miami, FL; his sisters-in-law, Joan Crebase of Cheshire; Tammy Hays of Waterbury; brother-in-law Guy Hays and his wife Nancy of Wake Forest, NC, as well as several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his adored granddogs, Lucy and Marshmallow.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Roxana Gavallas; his brother, Joseph Crebase; his brothers-in-law, Clifford Hays and Kevin Hays.
Arrangements: Funeral Monday, March 30, 2026 at 9 a.m. from Chase Parkway Memorial/Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, to Calvary Southbury 354, Kettletown Rd., Southbury, for services at 10 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, North St. Watertown. Calling hours Sunday, March 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to:
Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation
285 Preston Avenue
Meriden, CT 06450.
https://www.ctneverforget.org/donate/
For more info or to send e-condolences visit: www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com