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Lawrence Gavitt Obituary
Born in Westerly, RI, he was the son of the late John M. Gavitt and Veronica Gavitt Palmer.
He graduated in 1965 from Norwich Technical School. He served in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam from 1968-1969. He was honorably discharged and received citations as well as the Purple Heart. Upon his return he was employed by General Dynamics as a pipefitter in Local 620/777. He then became involved in the Union and was a Steward. He was elected to the Executive Board. He became a Business Agent which involved preparing negotiations, arbitration cases and hearing grievances. From 1987 until his retirement in 2010, he was elected Business Manager with duties negotiating contracts between the Company and Union. He was Vice President of the Metal Trades Council and was also elected New England Pipe Trades Executive Board.
He was a member of the Westerly Yacht Club with a position on the Board of Directors. He was also a member of the VFW in Pawcatuck as well as the North End and Bocce Clubs in Westerly. He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed going to the races and car shows with his antique cars.
He lived life to the fullest and will be sorely missed by many. Most of all for his generosity, sense of humor, laughter and his big smile.
Larry is survived by his children: daughters, Kristen Carsten and husband Brian, Lori Lallo, Meghan Thor and husband Jeff, and son Timothy Gavitt; his brothers, John "Jack" H. and Mark Gavitt; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service with Full Military Honors will be private. A Celebration of Larry's Life will be held hopefully next summer when restrictions are relaxed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW Post 1265, 160 South Broad St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379 or the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase St., Pawcatuck, CT in his memory. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Gavitt
Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.
Richard Bestwick
January 10, 2021
May you Rest In Peace my friend I’ll miss our conversation about the racing world and . Boy you could cut grass like know one else
Larry Yakaitis
January 8, 2021
To all of the Gavitt Family - We are so sorry for your loss. Larry was a wonderful person, and he always seemed to lift everyone's spirits. He will be sorely missed - The Yakaitis Family
Marjorie Norman
January 7, 2021
Larry was a great neighbor and was the first to welcome me to William St. many years ago. He was kind and generous and his presence will be greatly missed in the neighborhood.
Kevin Cook
January 3, 2021
Wonderful guy that I was fortunate to know years ago with Local 620. I know he will be missed by many.
Elise & Joe Adcock
January 2, 2021
From the Dessaules Family, our deepest sympathy on Larry's passing. I myself, as Larry's next door neighbor, will miss his smile and laugh and the talks we would have as he would drive by. I will keep these memories with me. We will surely miss him here on William St. Thoughts and prayers to all of his family. Rest In Peace Larry.
Norris
January 1, 2021
Where am I going to get my daily jokes, and those stories you just can't make up?
Kathy McGuire Tanner
December 31, 2020
On behalf of the McGuire family we extend our deepest condolences on Larry’s passing. As lifelong neighbors, we have so many fond memories of the William Street picnic that your family hosted for years. They were such fun times and Larry was always a part of the laughter. We will miss him as he was always so friendly. May he Rest In Peace with all his loved ones. He will be sorely missed.
Bob Long
December 31, 2020
My deepest sympathies, so very sorry for your Family's loss.
Beth Cryan
December 31, 2020
Sleep peacefully Larry.
Walter & Gail Sheldon Jr
December 30, 2020
To all of the Gavitt Families, please accept our most sincere condolences on your loss. All that has been said about this good man, has been said. He was a friend to many, an inspiration to all. Rest In Peace Veteran, and thank you, above all for your Service to your country.
Tina Rizzo
December 30, 2020
Kristen, We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Bill Scarano
December 30, 2020
For the Family of Larry we send our heart felt condolences. Larry is a great friend and was really a pleasure to be with. He will be truly missed. God bless Larry and for his family God is with you all at this sad and difficult time. Bill and Diana Scarano
Bob Silvia
December 30, 2020
To the Gavitt family~
So sorry to hear that Larry has passed, may he Rest In Peace. Thank you for your service to our country and your service to our Local 620/777 .
Bob Silvia
Janice Gerry
December 30, 2020
Sorry for your loss. He was a great guy, always helpful and pleasant. May he rest peacefully. Prayers
Brian Gill
December 30, 2020
Such a kind and gentle man always there to lend a helping hand you will be missed my friend
Peter W Maneri
December 30, 2020
LARRY WAS A DEAR FRIEND TO MY WIFE MARY-ANN, DAUGHTER NICOLE, SON MATTHEW, GRANDSON BROOKS AND ME. HE WAS A VERY GENEROUS AND CARING PERSON. HE IS MISSED BY ALL OF US. OUR CONDOLESCENSES GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
REST IN PEACE BUDDY.
Maureen Martin Tavares
December 30, 2020
Linda, Kristen, Lori, Jack, Mark, Jamie, Scott and the Gavitt Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My mind is flooded with memories that include all of you. Rest in Peace Old Friend.....William Street will never be the same!
Steve & Gail Wells
December 30, 2020
To the Gavitt Family ~
So very sorry to hear of Larry's passing. May the love of family and friends get you through this very difficult time. Our deepest sympathy go out to you. Sincerely,
Marieke Khoury
December 29, 2020
Dear Family there are people in your life that touch you deeply with there Kindness. Love, Humor and just the way they are.
Larry did this the first time I met him at the Westerly Yachtclub.
I loved it when he walked in everytime.
We are going to miss him so much.
My deepest condolences to the Family.
Marieke Khoury
Ernie Richard
December 29, 2020
Rest in peace Larry, you were a good guy buddy
Karen Gaffney
December 29, 2020
Our sincere condolence for this devastating loss to the Gavitt family. Larry was a long time family friend. He also was our neighbor for many years. A really caring wonderful man. RIP
Sherri Biro
December 29, 2020
To the Family so sorry for your loss.
Bruce Adams
December 29, 2020
I worked with Larry for many years. He was a great friend and was always there when someone needed help. Thoughts and prayers to his family. R.I.P my friend.
Ruth Vocatura
December 29, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gavitt family. Larry was great person to work with and to know.
Rosso
December 29, 2020
Larry,
Never thought we'd say good-bye but when called your duty is done. Many years we laughed and played all in fun with your exuberant laugh being heard by everyone. I'll miss you buddy and know you've been welcomed on high! Nigh it's time to say Good-bye, God speed my friend, easy on the Angels and Lord, remember you just got aboard. We'll miss you!
Bob & Zallee
Mike Riley
December 29, 2020
To the Gavitt family my deepest sorrows to all I knew Larry most of my life and always enjoyed his company and love of cars RIP my friend
Rose Marie Pont
December 29, 2020
Larry will be missed to the family, I’m very sorry for your loss.
He always had a beautiful smile, funny guy. Thank you Larry for all the years you cut my lawn. RIP❤
John E Conley
December 29, 2020
Rest in Peace Larry you will be missed bye all who knew you Gone to soon
Michael Silvia
December 29, 2020
My condolences to Larry's family and his friends.I'm going to miss Larry.We had a never ending conversation fifteen minutes at a time at the Post Office.Modified racing,race cars and collector cars were the topics more often than not.Larry shared a number of his Viet Nam era memories that revealed his true nature;a really good boy from Pawcatuck.Rest in Peace.
Robert Yovino
December 29, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mark Ciliano
December 29, 2020
To the Gavitt family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. RIP Larry!
James Fadden
December 29, 2020
This totaly hurts deeply, I worked with him for many years ,Larry was a great man and was loved by many . My condolence to all his family and friends
Gilbert Lamphere
December 29, 2020
I worked with Larry for a long time. Had alot of fun with him. He was always reday for a joke or a good time. I send my condolences to your family. R.I.P. Larry
David Elks
December 29, 2020
To the Gavitt Family my most sincerest sympathies. I knew Larry for over 40 years and considered him as a dear friend. He had a heart as big as himself. If one was in need he was there. Larry was a unique individual who could brighten up a room with jokes, smile and laughter. Oh what an unforgettable laugh he had. Larry will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
My deepest condolences.
Maureen Ducat
December 29, 2020
With deepest sympathies to his family from the Officers and Members of the 4th District Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
Manny Fretard
December 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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