BEVERLY: David P. “Wavey” Gavin, 59, formerly of Manchester-by-the-Sea, died Friday, July 23, 2010 in the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington following an extended illness.
Born in Beverly on October 11, 1950, he was the son of the late Edward P. and Irene M. (MacDowell) Gavin. A graduate of Manchester High School class of 1969, he had resided in Manchester-by-the-Sea for many years before moving to Beverly thirty years ago.
David was a self-employed finish carpenter on the North Shore for many years. An avid sky diver, he was a member and past-president of the Connecticut Parachuters, Inc. in Ellington, CT. Along with his brothers, Michael and Peter, they started the tradition of sky diving into Manchester as part of the 4th of July celebration. He was also a devoted New England Patriots fan.
He is survived by his son, Seth D. Gavin of Las Vegas, a dear friend, Valerie Barter of Beverly, four brothers, John H. and his wife, Patricia Gavin of Newburyport, Edward P. Gavin, Jr. and Michael G. and his wife, Michelle Gavin all of Manchester-by-the-Sea and Peter G. and his wife, Holly Gavin of Ipswich, a sister, Nancy I. Gavin of Manchester-by-the-Sea, twelve nieces and nephews and several great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was also predeceased by a nephew, Daniel J. Gavin.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, August 8th at Tucks Point Chowder House in Manchester-by-the-Sea at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Liver Foundation, 88 Winchester St., Newton, MA 02461.