John Austin Gavin, Jr. of Chesterton, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 at VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. He was 53.

He was born July 12, 1954 in Elizabeth, N.J., the son of John Austin, Sr. and Francine Gavin, of Michigan City, both of whom survive..

On Sept. 15, 1979 in Las Vegas, Nev., he married Brenda Lannell Washburn, who survives in Chesterton.

He is also survived by three daughters, April Lorena (Aaron Smith) Gavin, of Chesterton, Courtney Elizabeth Gavin, of Chesterton and Shannon Michelle (Michael Grcich) Gavin, of Valparaiso; a granddaughter, Avery Londyn Gavin of Chesterton; a grandmother, Ethel “Nan” Blaine, of Fla.; a sister, Cheryl (Doug) Grupe and a niece Emily Grupe, all of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.

John was National Sales Manager for Safety Products with 25 years service. He attended Mammouth College. He was a member of the bowling league at Westchester Lanes in Chesterton. An avid New York Yankees fan, he had a passion for reading and Rock n’ Roll.

He loved cooking and horticulture and loved to play tickle-bug with his granddaughter Avery.

A celebration of John’s life, Fr. James Meade officiating, will take the form of a memorial service at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St. Chesterton.

The family will receive friends Friday from 4 p.m. until time of service.

Memorials in John’s memory may be given to the family.

For information, please call White-Love Funeral Home, 926-1309.

Posted 9/12/2007