Michael E. Gavula

Gavula

Michael E. Gavula

Michael Ernest Gavula, 70, of Cheverly, Maryland, died June 13, 2023 at Virginia Hospital Center, from heart failure.



Born March 4, 1953, in Heidelberg, Germany, to Michael (Mike) Gavula and Hildegard Buttler Gavula, his early years as an Army child were spent in Taiwan, El Paso, and Fort Niagara. He grew up in McLean, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia (Religious studies, 1977). He received a master's in architecture from Virginia Tech (1986), and practiced at in Washington, DC, at architrave, p.c. architects, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Gallery of Art. He was an active member of the D.C. chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the National Building Museum.



Michael was a keen observer and a discriminating enthusiast— curious, open-minded and discerning. He loved the architecture of Louis Kahn and Tadao Ando, and traveled to see the work of Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka. A gifted musician, he knew classical music, the Beatles inside out, every verse of Marty Robbins cowboy songs, and the finer points of classical guitar performance. A devotee of cats, a constant writer and wide-ranging reader, a lover of Shakespeare and Zen poets. He loved good food, and restaurants gourmet or hole-in-the-wall. His favorite trips were driving a convertible at any speed in the great open spaces of the West.



Michael was faithful in friendships and valued by colleagues. Generous and funny, calm and steady in any setting, he always put others at ease. He was a much-loved son, brother, son-in-law, uncle, husband, and friend.



He is survived by sister Linda and brother-in-law Bruce Sherman, of Shipman Virginia; nephews Alex Sherman (Ossining, New York) and Michael Drake Sherman (Seattle); and former wife Leslie K. Reinhardt (Hyattsville, Maryland).



Gifts in his memory may be made to to the MGI Regis Ferruzza Guitars for Veterans Program (https://marlowguitar.org/guitarsforvets/), 451 N. Hungerford Dr., Suite 119-482. Rockville, MD 20850) or to the charity of your choice. A celebration of Michael's life will be held at a later date.