William Thomas Gavan

Born to Henry F. Gavan, Jr. and Julia E. Gavan in Linden, NJ. He had two siblings, Dolores Ann Gavan Bonderanko and Henry F. Gavan, III.

After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Elizabeth, NJ, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country during World War II as a Pharmacist’s Mate, 2nd Class with the amphibious force in the Pacific.

William attended Union Jr. College, Cranford, NJ, where he received his Associate Degree in 1948. In 1950, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1967 from American University in Washington, DC.

A career that spanned more than 34 years in Federal Civil Service, William held the positions of Personnel Management Specialist, Management Analyst and Civil Service Inspector. These included a number of different agencies and departments including the Office of Management and Budget, Civil Service Commission, Federal Aviation Administration, Dept. of Agriculture, and the Smithsonian Institution.

William was a lifetime member of several organizations including the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Knights of Columbus 4th Delegate and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).

He married his loving wife of over 60 years, Mary Gavan, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, DC.

William is predeceased by his wife, Mary and son, Mark Gavan. Survivors include daughter, Kathleen Gavan (Lonnie Miller); and sons, Thomas Gavan (Patricia Rodgers), Larry Gavan, Jim Gavan (Miriam Nasuti) and Greg Gavan. Grandchildren include Daniel Gavan (Jenny), Juanita Gavan, Dominic Gavan, and Connor Gavan; and great-grandchildren, Elias, Paul and Ben.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29th from 6pm to 8pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg. A mass will be held on Saturday, April 30th at 12:30pm at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5121 Woodland Way, Annandale, VA, with the interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.nelsencares.com.