Seymour Gavens

SEYMOUR (SY) GAVENS died Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. Sy was born April 16, 1930 to Mary and Jack Gavensky in Hartford, CT. He attended Hartford schools, graduating from Weaver High School in 1947. By working summer jobs in East Haddam, CT he was able to earn enough to attend the University of Connecticut from which he graduated in 1951 with a BS degree in Accounting. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years, including one in Korea. In January 1952 he married the love of his life, Annette Rosker. After an honorable discharge from the service he joined his brother Morton in an accounting practice. In 1956 he passed the C.P.A. exam on his first sitting. He was a founding partner of the accounting firm, BlumShapiro. In addition to his accounting practice, Sy’s business activities included: President, Gables Convalescent Home; Treasurer, Meadow Lanes Bowling Corp; and Treasurer and Interim President, H.B. Davis Corporation. Sy’s community activities included Chairman, Hebrew Health Care (1985-1987); Finance Chairman, Hebrew Health Care (30 years); Vice-President and Education Chairman (20 years), Beth El Temple West Hartford; Treasurer, UConn class of 1951 Reunions; Treasurer, Weaver High School Class of 1947 Reunions.
Sy was a fervent sports enthusiast and a passionate Red Sox fan. In 2000, Annette and Sy were chosen as Connecticut Fans of the Year. He loved UConn sports, especially: Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Men’s and Women’s Soccer. He was an original Hartford Whaler season ticket holder. Sy supported professional sports in Hartford: Football, Basketball, Tennis, Hockey and Arena Football. Annette and Sy attended many UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball Final Four Tournaments. They enjoyed numerous trips all over the world with dear friends.
Sy leaves his wife Annette of 68 years and their children and grandchildren: Lee Gavens and grandchildren Daniel (Sarah) and Abigail; Andrew and Sara Gavens and grandchildren Melissa, Jennifer and Molly; Michelle Gavens and Brian Margolis and grandchildren Jacob, Samuel and Deborah. He leaves his sister Allene Cohen and his sister-in-law Lorraine Gavens. Sy was pre-deceased by his brother, partner and friend Morton Gavens, his sister Etelle Wachs, and his daughter-in-law Susan Stein Gavens.
Statement by Sy: I wish everyone to know that I was the luckiest and happiest man alive. I was brought up by strong parents in a loving hard-working family. I met, courted and married the love of my life, Annette. Together we had wonderful children and from them exceptional grandchildren. I was able to practice accounting on the highest level thanks to my professional colleagues. I had a lifetime of friends that I could laugh and enjoy life with. I was blessed. THANK YOU GOD.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Avenue, West Hartford with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment will follow in Beth El Temple Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gavens Family College Youth Fund at Beth El Temple, West Hartford, CT or to The Seymour Gavens Scholarship at UConn Foundation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gavens Family College Youth Fund at Beth El Temple, West Hartford, CT or to The Seymour Gavens Scholarship at UConn Foundation.