David E. Gavitt

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, David Everett Gavitt of Westerly, RI.  David died at the age of 83 in Westerly, RI. He was the beloved husband of Ruby Esther (West) Gavitt who predeceased him in 2018.
Dave was born in Westerly, RI on April 7, 1939 and was the eldest son of the late John and Annie Belle (Moffitt) Gavitt.
Dave retired from Pfizer in 1999 after 24 years of service. Prior to his employment at Pfizer, he was employed by the Beriah Lewis farm in North Stonington, CT and Aetna Well and Pump.  He moved his family to Hillandale Farm in Haversham, RI in 1969 to become the caretaker of the Ayers Estate.  With the help of his family, Dave became a gentleman farmer, raising rabbits, ducks, pigs, a cow, a horse named Britches and many beloved dogs and cats.  He also taught himself the art of organic farming and grew an enormous garden of wonderful vegetables for many years. He and his family shared many happy memories “on the farm” during their years of managing the property.
Dave spent much of his retirement volunteering in the woodworking shop at the Westerly Senior Center, where he made many great friends.  Dave’s passion was woodworking, and he loved to make gifts of his creations for his friends and family.  He used a wood stove to heat his house for his entire life, and spent countless hours cutting and hauling wood, and building beautifully stacked wood piles with the help of his wife and children.
Perhaps Dave’s most admired quality was his willingness to help others. Whether it was clearing brush, felling trees or building birdhouses, he freely gave of his time and talents to assist his friends and family. He was an honest and kind-hearted man who was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.
Surviving Dave are his children; Janice Buck (Ed) of Bradford, RI, Bonnie Langlois (Steven) of Hope Valley, RI, and Steven Gavitt of Hope Valley, RI.  He is also survived by his grandchildren; Christopher Buck (Lauren) of Voluntown, CT, Emily Langlois of Lowell, MA, and Patrick Langlois of Eau Claire, WI; as well as his great-grandson, Austin Buck.
Dave was predeceased by his wife Ruby in 2018, his daughter, Karen Lee (Gavitt) Barker in 2001, his brother, Thomas Gavitt and his sister Martha Jordan.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Allison McAteer and her staff as well as Dr. Rebecca Vanasse and her staff for their compassionate treatment of our father.  There could be no better care than what he received from them.  Also, we would like to express our gratitude to the staff of the third floor of the Westerly Yale New Haven Hospital for their tireless dedication to their patients. We are grateful and deeply appreciative.  Hope Health Hospice was a godsend in fulfilling his wishes to be at home during the final stage of his life.  It is with our deepest gratitude that we thank Lori, Joni and especially Brittany, with whom he shared a wonderful connection and a love of birds.
The family will greet friends and relatives on Saturday, January 28th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Buckler–Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St, Westerly, RI.  A brief memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm.  Burial will be private in River Bend Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westerly Senior Center, 39 State St, Westerly, RI, in his memory.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com