Thomas Walter Gawrych

Thomas Walter Gawyrch, or “Tom” to those who knew and loved him, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026. He was born November 22, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan. He was the first son to Walter and Catherine Gawrych. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Rae Lynn Vasquez Gawrych. They were married in 1961, at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. They met while serving in the Navy. Loved by his two children, Guy Gawrych (and Kimberly Gawrych) and Wendy King, and his four grandchildren, Gillian and Sean King, and Mitchell and Gavin Gawrych. Tom was a proud Navy veteran, having served for twenty-five years. He finished off his storied Naval career as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (if you know, you know). He served his country in Vietnam, and was stationed on four different Naval ships. He was stationed with his family on Guam, Spain, and Virginia Beach. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, Virginia. He was a dedicated Knight, always ready to lend a hand, and never one for the pomp or circumstance. Tom loved being a grandfather. His grandchildren would spend their summers visiting, tinkering in his tool shed, and planning projects; he was never one to turn down an ice cream cone with his “favorite” and only granddaughter. He was always their biggest supporter, going to concerts, races, and tournaments. Over the years he enjoyed many hobbies. He could never stay still for long even after his retirement. His pastimes included refereeing high school football, bowling and playing softball on the Knights League, and puttering around his backyard. Throughout his retirement, he traveled all over North America, on a lighthouse tour with Rae. He was a lifelong Detroit Red Wings Hockey fan, despite their win record. He could be found listening to their games on the radio in his office. He would start his day by sharing a coffee with his bride, often outside on their deck, listening to the sounds of nature. Every day, he would- in his words, “make a deposit,” meaning he was going to play the lottery. Tom was a man of simple pleasures, give or take a Polish Kielbasa and a Vernors Ginger Ale or two. Please join us in remembering our sailor, Tom, on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4PM to 6PM at Pierce’s Funeral Home in Manassas, Virginia. If possible, please wear the color Navy in his honor. Viewing is from 4pm to 5pm, following there will be a chalice ceremony by the Knights of Columbus and ending with the praying of the rosary. A reception will be held immediately after and light hors d’oeuvres and alcoholic beverages will be served. The following day, there will be a private burial at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Tom was a proud supporter of his fellow veterans and America’s heroes.

Thomas Walter Gawrych

November 22, 1939 - March 30, 2026