Thomas Gavin

OXFORD - Thomas D. Gavin, 50, of Pine Ridge Drive, died Monday, Oct. 4, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 3 years, Ginger (Bayles) Gavin of Oxford; his mother, Claire T. (Parthenais) Gavin of Dracut; four step children, Solomon Hammond of Fair Bluff, NC, Margie Hammond of East Providence, RI, Faith Hammond and Jack Hammond of Little River, SC; and a brother, Frank Gavin of Lowell. Tom was born in Lowell, the son of the late William J. Gavin, and lived Most of his life in Dracut before proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his younger years, Tom moved on to serve God as a catholic brother in the Franciscan, Marist and Dominican orders before leaving the Dominicans in California in 2004. Tom was married in Bristol, RI in 2007 and became a nursing assistant at Zambarano Hospital in Pascoag, RI, consistent with his wish to dedicate his life's work to the care of others. Tom also loved the outdoors and climbing mountains and climbed many of the highest peaks in North America. Tom felt closest to God when he was in the mountains. Tom's adoring wife describes him as a man of God, loving and truly devoted husband, proud Irishman, noble marine, talented mountaineer, catholic brother, woodsman, artisan, and dedicated caregiver. May his soul rest in peace at the summit of the most majestic and peaceful mountain he knows as heaven. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery in Tewksbury. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.