Gary F. Gavigan

Gary Francis Gavigan, 81 of Westbrook, CT died peacefully at home on December 31, 2024 after a courageous battle with corticobasal syndrome. An incredibly warm and giving man, he is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Teri, his son Ryan, his wife, Katie, and his cherished grandchildren Joey and Tessa. He was predeceased by his parents, his parents-in-law, Rose and Anthony Sabilia, and his son Sean. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Cleo Sabilia. In addition, he leaves several nieces and nephews in a large loving family.

He was born on October 30, 1943, the son of Edward Joseph and Mary Guinan Gavigan. He was raised in Hamden CT.

Gary graduated from Providence College in 1965. Immediately following college, he joined the US Army where he served 4 years. He was selected to serve in a rigorous program at the Defense Language Institute in CA and became fluent in the Vietnamese language before being deployed to Vietnam. Upon his return from duty in Vietnam, he completed his service at the National Security Agency in Maryland. He was proud of his service and was committed to supporting other veterans and was a member of American Legion Post #103.

He was employed for over two decades at Jostens offering products to recognize key milestones for students at schools and universities in southeastern Connecticut.

Gary was a kind, caring, unselfish man who provided a great role model for all. He and Teri raised their family in Westbrook where Gary gave back to the town he so embraced. He founded the local Jaycees and later, served as president of the Chamber of Commerce. He served 13 years on the Westbrook Board of Education, and 24 years on the Board of Finance, finishing as its Chair, and was involved on various other town boards and commissions, including two school building committees, the town garage building committee, and a member of the Traffic, Senior Management, and Energy Committees. He was Chair of the Westbrook Democratic Town Committee and was recognized for his considerable service to the Town with the Westbrook Democratic Town Committee Eileen Daily Award in 2023. He was active in Little League, served on the Council of St. Mark’s Church, and was a member of the Westbrook Elks. He loved attending sporting events, plays, concerts, science fairs, and anything to support his children and grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, January 9th, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Robinson, Wright, and Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 10th, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 222 McVeagh Road, Westbrook. The family will have a private burial service at a later date.

The family thanks the VA, the Westbrook Visiting Nurses, the Middlesex Palliative Care & Hospice Nurses as well as Smilow Cancer Hospital Guilford for their support and appreciates the kindness of the aides who attended to Gary.

Donations in his memory may be directed to The Westbrook Foundation or Disabled Veterans of America or the charity of the donor's choice.