Thomas Gavin

**Thomas Richard "Tom" Gavin**

December 11, 1939 - July 11, 2025

Thomas Richard "Tom" Gavin passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, in Santa Clarita, California, at the age of 85. Born on December 11, 1939, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Tom lived a life marked by scientific achievement, deep family devotion, and enduring community involvement.

Tom graduated from Villanova University with a degree in chemistry. In 1962, at just 22 years old, he embarked on a bold journey that would define the rest of his life-packing up his pregnant wife and infant son and driving cross-country from Philadelphia to La Crescenta, California. There, he began his distinguished career at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena.

Over the decades that followed, Tom became a prominent figure in aerospace engineering. His leadership and technical expertise were instrumental in some of NASA's most iconic missions. He served as Mission Assurance Manager for both the Voyager and Galileo missions and as Spacecraft System Manager for the Cassini mission to Saturn. Later in his career, he rose to the role of Deputy Director for JPL's Space and Earth Science Programs. Tom's contributions helped ensure the success and safety of these ambitious explorations into our solar system and beyond.

In recognition of his outstanding service to space science and engineering, Tom received numerous accolades including NASA's Exceptional Service Medal and Outstanding Leadership Medal. He was also named a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society-an honor reflecting his lasting impact on planetary exploration.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared 64 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife Betty Gavin. Together they raised four children: Tom Gavin Jr., Michelle Gavin Green, Jim Gavin, and Colleen Gavin Franklin.

Tom took immense pride in his growing family which includes 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Tom had a lifelong passion for sports. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater's basketball team-the Villanova Wildcats-as well as a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. In his local community of Canyon Country in Santa Clarita Valley, he gave back through coaching flag football and Little League baseball. As president of Canyon Country Little League, he played a pivotal role in relocating the league to its current home on Sierra Highway-a legacy that continues to benefit generations of young athletes.

Faith was also central to Tom's life. He and his family were longtime members of St. Clare's Catholic Church since its early days as a mission of Our Lady of Perpetual Help during the Canyon High School era-a connection fondly remembered by those who shared it with him.

Tom's life was one of purpose-marked by groundbreaking work in space exploration and grounded by love for family and community. His legacy lives on not only through the missions that continue to explore our universe but also through the lives he touched here on Earth.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Funeral Mass will be held on September 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Clare Catholic Church 19606 Calla Way. Luncheon will be served in the church hall immediately following the funeral mass.