William H. (Bill) Lavan's Obituary
William H. (Bill) Lavan, lovingly known as “Pop-Pop” passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, FL surrounded by family. He died on April 20, 2023. Bill was known for his kindness and devotion to his faith and large family. He was a bachelor who found an “instant” family when he married his wife Mary Meagher Lavan 52 years ago on April 17. From that day, he felt blessed to have gained three teenagers, and a 5-year-old daughter, as well as an extended family that included his wife’s twin, Helen (Stensland) Worth and her five sons to whom he became Uncle Bill.
Bill was born on October 30, 1932, in Trenton, NJ and remained very close to his early childhood friend, Ron O’Keefe (Kathy) who he kept in close contact with over their lifetimes. He attended St. Anthony’s grammar school and continued on to Trenton Catholic High School for boys. He was friends with many and best known for the various sports he played. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps 1951-53. Following his honorable discharge as a corporal, he worked as a housing inspector for Mercer County, NJ. He later moved to Long Beach Island, NJ with his wife and youngest daughter, where he worked for Alexander Churchill Assoc. as a field Inspector. Following that, Bill and Mary relocated to Savannah, GA for 12 years, where they made wonderful friends and joined the congregation of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in historic Savannah. In his retirement years, Bill also began working as a transport for Hertz Car Rental in Savannah. In 2011, Bill and Mary moved to Gainesville to be closer to family, and members of Holy Faith Catholic Church. After settling, he continued working for Hertz for a total of 23 years’ service.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen (Bergen) Lavan; his sister Mary Dull and brothers, John and Vincent Lavan. He is survived by one nephew, Jeff Phillips (Milli).
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lavan; daughters, Colleen Senterfitt (Jimmy), Linda Homewood (Stephan) and Kathryn (Parker) Turgeon (Mike); his grandchildren, Marshall Senterfitt (Jesse), Ethan Senterfitt (Aubrey); Autumn Homewood Parker (Allen), Breton Homewood; Alyssa Parker, Nathan Turgeon (Denise), and Aaron Turgeon; stepson, Charles Marshall; grandchildren, Kara and Kyle Marshall; Kimberly Thorsen. He was also a proud Pop-Pop to all his great-grandchildren, keeping up with, and cheering on their every accomplishment.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, at 11:00AM at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd St., with Fr. Jose Kulathinal as celebrant. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Trenton, NJ at a later date. For in lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606
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