Walter J. Gawrych, a lifelong resident of North Haven, CT, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on September 14, 2019. Walter served as First Selectman of North Haven for seven terms from 1975 until he retired in 1989, including two terms in which he ran unopposed. Prior to that, from 1953-1975, he worked as Plant Manager for the Stiles Brick Company and as Plant Manager for the Brick Division of the Plasticrete Corporation in Hamden, CT. From 1946-1953, he served as Sergeant of the North Haven Police Department, graduating from law enforcement officer training at the national FBI Academy in 1951. Throughout his life, Walter was a dedicated leader in his community. He served as Charter Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 3733; Member of American Legion Post 76-Iwo Jima Survivors; Member of the North Haven Lions Club; Chairman of the North Haven Police Commission; Chairman of the North Haven Board of Finance; Member of the Board of Directors for the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce; and Member of the Policy Board of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. A World War II veteran, Walter served as Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, participating in the assault and capture of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands and occupation of Sasebo and Nagasaki, Japan. Walter is survived by his wife of 71 years, Susan LiPuma Gawrych; children, Frances and Stanley Zabrocky and Jacqueline and Thomas Scarmo; grandchildren, Stephanie Scarmo, Gregory Scarmo, Susan and Patrick Long, Jillian and Ronald Bathrick; one great-grandchild, Madison Bathrick; brothers, Joseph Gawrych and Robert and Beverly Gawrych; many nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Sophie Gawrych, his brother Edward Gawrych, and sister Eleanor Skorupa.
The visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Friday morning at 11:00. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven at 11:30. Interment will follow in the North Haven Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Town of North Haven Community Services, Town Hall Annex Building, 5 Linsley Street, North Haven, CT 06473.
So very sorry to learn of Walters’ passing. A great leader, Selectman and gentleman. North Haven owes a large debt of gratitude to him and the Gawrych family.
My sincere condolences to the Gawrych family. Mr. Gawrych served the Town and community in so many capacities. After his retirement I stayed in contact with him and learned so much about our community and history of the North Haven Police Dept. He was part of the Greatest Generation.
We are so sorry to hear about Walter’s passing. He was truly an outstanding individual who served the North Haven community and the country . We were extremely fortunate to have known him over the years. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
As First Selectman Mr. Gawrych laid the cornerstone for the wonderful town that North Haven is today. The consummate gentleman. So very humbled to have worked under his leadership.
Deepest condolences.
We are saddened to hear of Mr. Gawrych’s passing. While we were unaware of his many community activities and leadership roles, we knew him as the proud grandfather of two exceptional young women: Susan and Jillian. His legacy of community spirit, friendship, and strength of character is definitely being passed on through Fran and Stan, Susan and Pat, Jillian and Ronald and generations to come. Our prayers and sympathy to all.
Had good memories of Mr Gawrych when I was a member of the Police Dept. Always a gentleman. Very pleasant easy to talk with. Did a lot for our Town. Rest In Peace
My prayers go out to Sue and the entire Gawryrch family for the passing of Walter. A true gentleman in every aspect of his life, Walter served his family, community and country with true distinction. I will never forget his leadership in serving the Town of North Haven and all I learned from him. May he Rest In Peace.
A great man that I owe a lot too. I will really miss him.
Semper Fi Walter.
Sending prayers of strength to the family, especially my student Stephanie at this difficult time. The legacy of Mr. Gawrych lives on not just through his good work done in our community but also through his family who will cherish and share loving memories of this dear gentleman.
Was a great leader for north haven and truly a great humitarian. He will be missed by all of us in town. Prayers to his family
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Gawrych. Mr. Gawrych was a man whom I greatly admired and whom I idolized. I will never forget him, and I will never forget his great service to our town and his great service to our country. Sincerely, Michael Freda
I am so sorry to hear this news. Just today while cleaning out some drawers, I came across a personalized letter from First Selectman Walter Gawrych. He congratulated my husband and me on the birth of our first child. I snapped a picture of it and sent it to my now grown daughter. Although, I didn’t know him personally, I have always appreciated his kindness by acknowledging and welcoming our baby daughter into our lives and into town of North Haven. He was a great leader and a fine gentleman. I send prayers to his family.
Jackie and Fran, I’m so sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. What a rich and wonderful life he lived. I have wonderful memories of hanging out at Gawrych house when we were young! My Dad lives at the Masonic Home in Wallingford and I will share this with him. My condolences to your Mom. 🙏🏻
So sorry to hear about Walter, It was a joy to serve with him on the board of Selectmen. My deepest sympathy to Susan and the family.
Aunt Sue & Family
Uncle Walt was very loved by both Richard and myself.
He was a wonderful man and uncle.
He will be very missed.
May he Rest In Peace.
Love,
Cookie and Richie
Aunt Sue and family,
So sorry for the loss of Uncle Walt. He will be truly missed. May the love and memories you all shared bring you comfort.
Love.
Andrea