Thomas "Tom" Gavin

Tom Gavin, 70, longtime Benicia resident, passed away Wednesday following his battle with cancer. He was born in Chicago, moved to Vallejo when he 16 years old, and lived in Benicia for the past 37 years. Tom attended St. Patrick’s High School in Vallejo, was a member of its first graduating class, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. He attended U.C. Davis and graduated in 1974. He was a long-time agent for New York Life Insurance, like his father Patrick. He was a partner in Gavin and Schreiner Insurance Services, which was twice named as the Benicia Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year and also won the Spirit of Solano award. Tom served the local community in numerous ways. Among his many civic contributions, he was a 42-year member, board director, and a past President of the Benicia Main Street Program; a 41-year member, board director, and past President of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce; and a 36-year member and past President of Benicia Rotary Club. He also served as Treasurer of the Benicia Library Foundation, as Chairman of the St. Patrick-St. Vincent Board of Regents, as a board member for Downtown Business Alliance, and as the first Chairman of the Board for Solano Bank. He mentored students at Liberty High School, coached basketball at St. Dominic’s School, and coached softball for Benicia PAL. Tom was a man of faith and a longtime active member of St. Dominic's Parish. He was a devoted husband, father and friend, who loved to listen to music, golf, garden, take walks downtown, and spend time with his children and grandchildren. Tom is survived by Patrice (Patty), his wife of 45 years; children Meghan (Josh) Baker and Lauren (Paul) Solis; grandchildren Brynn, Delaney, and Xavier; his seven siblings Patrick (Patti) Gavin, Kathy (Mike) Laherty, Jean (Dennis) Petri, Joanne (Doug) Jones, John (Sabrina) Gavin, Joe (Ann) Gavin, and Michael (Stacy) Gavin; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. His kind, gentle, and generous spirit will be missed by all. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 6, at 6:00 p.m. followed by vigil services at 7:00 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Church at 475 East I Street in Benicia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Dominic’s on Wednesday, December 7, at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Burial will be private. Family prefers donations to St. Patrick’s-St. Vincent’s High School or St. Vincent DePaul Society of Benicia.

Thomas "Tom" Gavin

May 21, 1952 - November 30, 2022