Ralph B. Gavin, a longtime Natick resident, passed away on January 24, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Anna F. (Alexander) Gavin with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.
Born in Boston, the son of the late John and Jennie (Urquhart) Gavin, Mr. Gavin was raised in Roxbury. He attended St. Joseph’s School in Roxbury prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on July 20, 1949. Mr. Gavin served on the USS Midway in the Mediterranean prior to serving as a Squadron Leader in Korea. He received 2 Purple Hearts with Gold Stars, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal with European Clasp, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the Marine Corps Honorable Discharge Button, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Mr. Gavin was permanently retired from active duty on May 1, 1952. He settled in Natick and was employed as a timekeeper for the Town of Natick until his retirement in the mid-1980’s. Devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Mr. Gavin enjoyed travelling with his wife in his retirement visiting San Francisco, Las Vegas, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Cape Cod. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Pitch, Gin, and Poker. A proud veteran, Mr. Gavin was a life member of the American Legion Edward P. Clark - Post 107 of Natick where he ran the child welfare program that provides food, clothing, and gifts to needy children. He was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Natick Elks. Mr. Gavin was happiest when he was spending time with his family and will be remembered for his loyalty to all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Gavin is survived by his devoted children Kevin R. Gavin and his wife Karen of Bellingham, Kathleen M. Gavin of Natick, Karen F. Sticka of Natick, and Kris M. Gavin of Natick. He was the cherished grandfather of Bill, Amanda, Jared, Jennifer, and John; great-grandfather of Aliyana; brother-in-law of Tedda Gavin of Roslindale and Phyllis Agresti of Stoughton; and is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Robert Gavin and brother-in-law of the late Jack and Mildred Alexander.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Mr. Gavin’s funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) Natick on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:15 AM to be followed by his Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church, Natick at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow with military honors in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Natick. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 27, 2011 from 4-8 PM. Those wishing to remember him may do so through donations to the Natick Service Council, 2 Webster St. Natick, MA 01760.