Paul W. Gavlick

Paul W. Gavlick, a longtime USCF member from North Providence, Rhode Island died Nov. 13, 2012. He was 77.

He was born in Pawtucket, R.I., the son of Stella and Paul W. Gavlick Sr. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served as a mechanic. His career involved working in trucking and serving as union steward for Jones Motor Inc. in Rhode Island before he retired. He spoke fluent Polish.

Mr. Gavlick had been one of the most active chess players in Rhode Island, being a member of both the Rhode Island Chess Association (RICA) and the Massachusetts Chess Association (MACA). He competed in many tournaments at the Blackstone Chess Academy in Pawtucket, R.I. and the Sven Brask Chess Club in Plainville, Massachusetts. At the latter club, he was the Howard Cook Memorial co-champion in 2006 and 2009. And in other yearly contests at the club, he won the "Ironman" award in 2007, the "Most Improved Player" award in 2009, and was the "Ironman" co-champion in 2010.

He leaves three sons, Paul Gavlick III of North Providence, Matt Gavlick and Mark Gavlick, both of Warwick, R.I.; and two grandchildren, Lauren Gavlick and Evan Gavlick, both of North Providence. He was predeceased by a sister, Irene Szczepanek of Riverside, R.I., in 2010.

Obituary submitted by
George Mirijanian, Past President, Massachusetts Chess Association

Paul W. Gavlick may you rest in peace.