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Kevin Lavin Obituary
79, Kevin, or as he liked to be known, Kevin Patrick Michael Conway Lavin the First, returned home to his loving God on December 5, 2018. Born in Providence on August 19, 1939, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Conway) Lavin.
He is survived by the love of his life, Carol (Haggis), his always supportive spouse and partner for 48 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Kyle Phelps) of Dallas, Texas, and Patricia (John Roland) of Irmo, South Carolina, as well as his cherished grandchildren, John, Emily and the never to be overlooked Elle. He is survived as well by his brother, John, the pastor emeritus of St. Joseph of Newport. He was also the father of the late Little John, who was taken from us much too soon.
Kevin remained always the loyal and proud LaSallian as well as a graduate of Providence College, the University of Bridgeport, and Rhode Island College. An educator for most of his working life, he taught in both the Cranston and Providence school systems. An intrepid entrepreneur, he was a respected realtor. He also taught happily and enthusiastically at the Adult Correctional Institutions, particularly in the women division. A competitive swimmer and coach, ever the lifeguard, swimming remained a vital part of his adult years. A humble, always kind man of abiding faith, who never really caught the spirit of Vatican II, as he prayed the rosary during daily mass, while also invoking the assistance of the Holy Ghost. Never losing his sense of humor, he was truly a gifted, yet gentle mimic and a man of adept Irish storytelling. He loved all children and dogs of all breeds, especially his own. Never an accomplished driver, one was always well advised to drive behind him, well behind him, as he engaged in animated conversation with any passenger. In the end, he saw only good in others, saying that you just had to look for it in them. He lived and passed with a big heart and a warm embrace. He will be missed and his memory cherished by those who experienced his spirit and zest for life.
Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial for Kevin on Monday, December 10th at 10 AM in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 114 High Street, Wakefield, R.I. Visiting hours will be omitted and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tomorrow Fund, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, R.I. "Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever." Visit www.thekeefefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Lavin
Sponsored by Keefe Funeral Home Inc.
Colleen Kelly Mellor
July 6, 2024
Kevin's humor helped get me through our first year of teaching at Park View Jr. He and I both taught Social Students to antsy junior high kids at Park View Jr. High in Cranston, a school whose ranks swelled to 1500 students in 1967. One day, I heard a rumble and noted the globe rolling across my classroom floor. To the shocked students and me, Kevin, sta ding at the open door, simply said "Miss Kelly, I give you the world at your feet." Unforgettable...as was he.
December 18, 2018
Holding you close in my thoughts and hope you are doing OK. Jeffrey Katz
Kaitlyn Hume
December 15, 2018
So sorry for your loss Mrs Lavin. Thinking of you. I always enjoyed hearing your stories in the library about him. Sending my love
December 12, 2018
One of the most memorable and nicest. I am happy to see that he lived for 79 years and had a wonderful family and work-life.
December 12, 2018
Carol, I'm so sorry to learn of Kevin's passing. Kevin was a fierce competitor, funny and most of all, a real gentleman. I am thinking of you and your family during this sad time.
Dick Dahl
Michael Moore
December 10, 2018
Kevin seemed to have a smile on his face whenever I saw him. He was a gentle, caring man whose faith in humanity seemed boundless. Thankyou Kevin for making my world a better place with you in it. Very sad to see you go. Bon Voyage
December 9, 2018
Dear Lavin family,
I must thank you all for sharing yoyr Kevin with all of us at the ACI. Kevin was truely an angel, constantly passing on love and encouragemdnt to us all. I was fortunate to be his assistant for 2 of my 4+ years of incarceration. His ckassroom eas a constant source of rejuvination znd a place where he made every one of us feel worthy and hopeful. He practiced forgiveness and unconditional love daily. His memory will forever live with those of us who had the fortune to know him.
Sincerely,
Liza Carter Baldwin
December 9, 2018
Dear Carol, Elizabeth and Patricia,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Kevin. Kevin was a memorable guy and know you all will miss him terribly. May you find comfort in all the fond memories. God Bless.
Al and Fran Lopes
Tom Romeo
December 9, 2018
Kevin will be missed. A superior person who many of us came to know through swimming exploits between Cranston High School and LaSalle Academy.
He continued to make major improvements in the lives of those inmates at the RI Department of Corrections.
To his family and many friends deepest sympathy.
RIP Kevin
December 8, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Pare
December 8, 2018
My condolences to the Lavin family. I worked with Kevin at Central high in the 80's, he was always pleasant and positive.
Rest in peace.
Bill Pare
Sam Malin
December 8, 2018
Outside of some family members and loved
ones,Kevin Lavin was the best friend I have
ever made in my life.
He was a "Mensch." Zie gezundt,my friend.
Love,
Sam Malin
Tom Mulvey
December 8, 2018
To Carol and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of Kevin. As his neighbor in Salt Pond Heights, we had many great conversations about our shared backgrounds at LaSalle, PC and in education, usually while he was working on a furniture refinishing project, one of his many talents. He was a delightful person with a sharp mind and Irish wit. May God's light shine upon him and on his loved ones during this difficult time.
Bill Caine
December 8, 2018
I never met Kevin but heard his praises often from his brother, Father Jack, all of which are beautifully captured in Kevin's obituary. May he Rest In Peace.
Christine Rathbun
December 8, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories bring you comfort.
December 8, 2018
There may have been nicer people, but I never met them. Rest in peace old friend. Mario D. Mazzarella, LSA '58, PC '62
Kathy and Terry Sullivan
December 8, 2018
I met Kevin when he was a lifeguard at the Dunes Club years ago. He was so outgoing and wonderful. My husband went to both LaSalle and PC with him. We have lost touch over the years, but we never forgot him. God bless your family during this difficult time.
Neal Haber
December 8, 2018
Carol and family, my prayers and sympathy goes out to all of you. Although I didn't know Kevin, I know from what his friends say about him that his loss will be felt deeply by both family and friends. May his memories and spirit watch over all of you.
Jack Mcgeough
December 8, 2018
Kevin could be a friend to anyone. He was the finest human being i have ever known. His memories always make you smile.
Kevin it's your turn to look down upon us and keep your memory alive.
Jack McGeough
Kim Timpson (Golden)
December 8, 2018
Dear Carol and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Lavin was a very kind gentleman. We (Dad, Ed Golden) send thoughts and prayer during this difficult time.
Jerry Hatfield
December 7, 2018
Carol, I always smile when I think of Kevin, and the world is now a little less happy. I love all of you and wish you peace and blessings to struggle through your loss. My prayers are with you. So sorry.
Fritz Benz
December 7, 2018
Carol, very sorry for your loss..you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this tough time.
Laura McCallig
December 7, 2018
Carol
So sorry for your loss! Sending you healing thoughts and prayter.
Laura
Margaret Randall
December 7, 2018
Carol,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Maggie Randall
S.K. High School
Guidance Dept.
Nancy Craps
December 7, 2018
Carol, Tricia and Elizabeth, my deepest sorrow for you loss. May all your memory stay close to your heart. Kevin will now be your guarding angel till you meet again. Sending my love and hugs to all of you.
Bob Mattis
December 7, 2018
Rest In Peace my friend. The words of respect in his obituary are perfect for this gentle, sincere man - there are not many like him. I have so many fond memories and experienced great joy whenever we would meet at the Y or around town. Sincere thoughts and prayers to you Carol and Kevin's family.
He was and is a true Lasallian- Kevin is now as he lived his life In the holy presence of God
Bob Mattis
Lindsay Scarpaci (nee Wepman)
December 7, 2018
Mr. Lavin was one of the kindest, warmest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. As a family friend, growing up I spent many weekends with the Lavin family, holding on for dear life whenever Mr. Lavin drove us anywhere! As a child, he welcomed me into his home and treated me as one of his own, feeding me, letting me crash on the couch, and taking care of me when I was sick. More recently as an adult, Kevin would always be there with a drink and story to share with me when I came over. He leaves behind his wonderful legacy of kindness through his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and all of the people whose lives he touched. My heart is with the Lavin family at this time.
Nancy Petit
December 7, 2018
Kevin was one of the finest men I've ever known. He was kind, generous and funny. When my son Will and I learned of his death, we started to recount quotable Kevin moments. We laughed as we cried, and realized he was as quotable as Seinfeld.He loved his family so deeply and savored life. And yes, driving with him was utterly terrifying, as he pulled into the high speed lane at 25 MPH.
He was, simply put, the best. We will never, ever forget his generosity, humor and kindness.
TeLisa Richardson
December 7, 2018
RIP Kevin, may your beautiful wings spread wide and proud. Condolences to your family.
ronald meleo
December 7, 2018
kevin was a good man and a great teacher sorry for his passing
Cynthia LONARDO
December 7, 2018
It was of great sorrow to hear about Mr Lavins death. I was one of his students at Park view middle school in Cranston. He was a wonderful teacher. I recently saw him at whole foods in Cranston it was such a pleasure to talk with him and he made my day.
God Bless Him,
Cynthia Pisano Lonardo
Mike Sullivan
December 7, 2018
RIP my friend You.touched the lives of countless people.
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