Louis "Lou" Joseph Gravelin

Louis J. Gravelin, “Lou,” 85, of Dennis, MA, passed away on August 30, 2026 following complications from a stroke. He was born on January 5, 1941, in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Eugene “Louis” Gravelin and Blanche (Lapine) Gravelin.

Lou was a 1959 graduate of Ludlow High School and went on to attend Assumption College. He was employed as a telephone technician for New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for 35 years before retiring in 1993.

Lou and his wife, Jeanne, first met as children at St. John the Baptist grammar school. Although life took them in different directions for many years, their paths crossed again in midlife. Jeanne was the love of Lou's life, and the two shared a devoted 35-year marriage; they were rarely apart and happiest in each other's company.

Lou was very active in his community throughout his life. He was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Ludlow chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was proud to have been named French Elk of the Year. Lou was active in his younger years with the Boy Scouts of America. After relocating to Dennis, MA, Lou became a proud and active member of Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster, MA where he served as an usher and eucharistic minister. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was active in his local Pope Paul VI council.

Lou will be remembered as an animated storyteller, full of pithy expressions and kindness. He loved people and cherished spending time with his family and friends. An avid reader, he was deeply interested in nutrition and progressive politics.

Lou was predeceased by his son, Keith Gravelin; his grandson, Nate Cavallo; and his sister, Joan Zielinski.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne M. (San Soucie Abair) Gravelin; his daughter, Karen Gravelin; his brother, Charles Gravelin; and his stepdaughters, Jacqueline Abair (Christopher Ruggiero), Suzanne Abair (Kathleen MacDonald), and Nicole Abair (Jim Cavallo). He also leaves behind six loving grandchildren: Owen and Olivia Ruggiero, Alex and Jacob MacDonald, and Lexi and Bennett Cavallo as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 8, from 4 to 7 pm at Doane, Beal & Ames, 729 MA-134, South Dennis, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 9th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Cape Catholic Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Louis Gravelin may be made to the Nate Cavallo Family Support Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via https://www.dana-farber.org/

Lou will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.