Paul Martin Gavin

Paul Martin Gavin, age 83, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 21, 1942, he was the son of the late Thomas M. and Mary (Ford) Gavin. Paul was raised in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, where he developed many close friendships, carrying them well into adulthood.

Paul graduated with the class of 1960 from Saint Mary's High School in Brookline, Massachusetts. In August of the same year, he enlisted with the Massachusetts Army National Guard, ready to serve his country if need be. That time came sooner than he could have expected, as he was called to active duty a mere month later. Paul was released from active duty in 1961 with the rank of Private. In the reserves he was awarded the qualifications of Marksman, Expert, and Sharpshooter for a variety of rifles and pistols, and was honorably discharged in 1965 with the rank of Ammunitions Sergeant.

Upon his return from active duty, Paul began a career with the New England Telephone Company as a lineman. As the company went through various iterations and mergers, Paul remained a steadfast employee, growing and taking on new positions to challenge himself including as a installer and repairman until his retirement in 2000.

Paul married the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" Mary O'Connor on May 20, 1972, in Saint Claire's Church in Braintree, Massachusetts. The young couple had met two years prior, set up on a date by a mutual friend. Paul and Peggy made their married home in Norwood, Massachusetts before moving to their forever home in neighboring Walpole in 1973. What started as a five room home turned into a ten room home as Paul and Peggy built onto their home to accommodate a growing family, welcoming three daughters in the coming years.

Paul's family was the most important aspect of his life. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and papa. He loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed time for the occasional date night with his bride. He had a special bond with his grand children; and when mobility became an issue, he did not let that hold him back from attending communions, recitals, and games. He started a special christmas tradition, where he would gift the grand kids the annual Hess Truck or a book with a doll or stuffed animal, which they always looked forward to receiving. Paul's family also included his friends, some of whom he met in grammar school. He was a remarkable and memorable man, making friends everywhere he went and running into smiling faces near and far.

In his free time, Paul loved to lounge by the pool with a beer while listening to a Red Sox game. He loved his pool, almost as much as he loved Boston sports. He was an avid Boston sports fan, following the title town teams year round and teaching his grandkids the ins and outs of the different games. Paul was a member of the Knights of Columbus, active in the West Roxbury council and in Walpole. He was a man of Faith, and served as a Eucharistic Minister for his Church, Saint Timothy's in Norwood. Paul was also a member of the Walpole VFW, where he was part of the horseshoe league and never turned down a game of cards with friends.

Paul will be remembered as a gentle and kind man, who's one liners could make a room erupt into laughter. He was witty and gracious, and you could not help but to love him. He will be greatly missed.

Beloved wife of Margaret "Peggy" Mary (O'Connor) Gavin.

Loving father of Jennifer L. Nelson and her husband Jeremy of Franklin, Julie A. Rooney and her late husband Larry of Walpole, and Danielle K. Gavin of Walpole.

Cherished papa of Gavin Rooney, John Nelson, Maggie Rooney, and Jillian Nelson.

Brother of David Gavin and his late wife Sally of Dennis, Donald Gavin of Florida, and Richard Gavin and his wife Lois of Wakefield.

Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Paul's Life Celebration on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, in Saint Timothy's Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood, at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul's name may be made to the New England Center and Home for Veterans at P.O. Box 845257, Boston, MA 02284 or by visiting www.nechv.org