Henry E. Gaviglio

Henry E. Gaviglio, formerly of Ludlow, MA, died peacefully at his daughters’ home in Tomball, TX on May 20, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on January. 14, 1926 in Ludlow, MA to the late Felice and Silvia (Morgavio) Gaviglio.
He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Elizabeth Golden Gaviglio to whom he was married for 66 years and his brother John F. Gaviglio. He leaves his 9 children, Henry Jr. (Alice), Sylvia Duca (Thomas), Mark (Janice), Mary Beth, Greg (Beverly DeWitt), Cyndy Balyozian (Charlie), Carla Dorato (Cyrille Couet), John (Nancy) and David. He leaves his sister, Elsie Caldarola of Springfield MA, who he adored and spoke with almost every day, as well as 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 39 nieces and nephews.
Henry attended Ludlow schools and Wilbraham-Monson Academy before graduating from Wesleyan University where he played soccer and baseball for the Cardinals. He served in the European Theater during WW2 with the 1261st Combat Engineers and was the regiment bugler before he attended Wesleyan on the G.I Bill.
After graduation he, along with his brother John, expanded the family business into fine wines. John soon after moved to Italy where he resided. Henry bought and ran the family business until 1984 with his brother-in-law and best friend William Golden (Junie). Gaviglio’s became one of Western Massachusetts top sources for fine wines and spirits, awarded by the French Government in 1971 for his expertise and promotion of French wines.
In the early years of his wine business he developed many close relationships with faculty and staff at Mount Holyoke College where he has been honored to present an annual award in his name to the French Department student of Merit. This relationship blossomed into other area colleges and universities firmly establishing his profession in the area.
Henry was active in the Boys and Girls Club when he was younger, a founding member of the Ludlow Tennis Club and was an ordained Eucharistic minister at St. Mary of the Assumption Church where he was also a trumpeter in the choir.
A private mass and celebration will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to Randall Boys & Girls Club, 91 Claudia’s Way, Ludlow, MA 01056.