Laurence William Gavin

March 12, 1940 — April 24, 2024

Forest Hill

Lt. Colonel (Ret) Laurence William Gavin Jr, a veteran of the Vietnam War and the Tet Offensive, resident of Forrest Hill, Maryland, passed away on April 24th, 2024. Larry, as he was known to many, (and as “Corky” to family and close friends) was born on March 12, 1940 in Oelwein Iowa to Laurence and Helen Gavin (Soulek) of Kimball SD. He grew up in Seattle, Washington and graduated from Seattle University as a Distinguished Military Graduate with degrees in Secondary Education and American History. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Armor Branch.
Larry always embodied and lived a life of “Service for Others,” proud of his Jesuit education. He later earned an MBA from Webster University, and graduated from The Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth Kansas; where he later taught Tactics and Counter Revolutionary Warfare. He valued education after God and family, instilling in all that “No one can ever take your education away from you.” In early life, he was held back from 1st grade due to his struggles with learning and credits this experience to becoming a teacher.

A three-tour veteran of the Vietnam War, he was a Cavalry Squadron Troop Commander, Senior Advisor and Liaison Officer in the Joint United States Military Advisory Group. He assisted the Air Force by flying reconnaissance during the Tet Offensive, which earned him an Army Aviator badge. During his tours, he earned a Combat Infantryman’s badge, which he highly valued as an Armor Officer.

Larry later taught at the British Army Staff College, and The Philippine Military Academy. At PMA, Larry was instrumental in the safety of the cadets and fellow Military advisors during the 1986 Philippine Revolution and overthrow of dictator President Ferdinand Marcos.
While stationed in Germany, Larry met his wife of 49 years, Gloria (De Leon) a Filipina Nurse who was working in Frankfurt Nord west Krankenhaus.

Larry leaves a legacy of kindness, thoughtfulness, strong Catholic faith, patriotism, and a family he is most proud of. He will be remembered for always telling his family he is proud of them, for saying the rosary for them and telling them to “keep the faith.” “Life is too short, but not for courtesy” is a value he lived by even in his final days.

Larry is proceeded in death by his parents, his niece Renee Bastrom, and two of his grandkids, twins Gavin and Colin Marshall.

Larry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gloria, his 4 children: Elizabeth Breslin (Michael), Karen Marshall (Jason), Sean (Katy) Kathryn Lusby (Evan), and 10 grandchildren: Joseph, Deirdre and Moira Breslin, Faith and Masos Marshall, Andrew, Camden and Adelaide Gavin and Colin and Evelyn Lusby; and his sister Mary Ann Bastrom (the late Tom) and nephew Kent.

A Celebration of Life Mass to honor Larry's life which will be held at St. Ignatius Historical Church in Forest Hill, Maryland on May 13th at 11 a.m. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on a future date.

In Lieu of flowers, and in the Jesuit tradition of service and education, donations may be made to the American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship Fund: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductId=134416

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