Martin Richard Gafvert, beloved husband, father, and Papa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 7, 2023. He was born on February 22, 1943 in Duluth, Minnesota and moved to South Pasadena, California in 1954 where he resided until his passing.

A graduate of South Pasadena High School in 1961, Marty studied at Pasadena City College and then graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1966. He started his aerospace career in life sciences at AiResearch donning space suits and enduring stress tests as part of a team developing and analyzing various systems that would eventually fulfill President Kennedy’s promise to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. After transitioning within the Garrett Corporation, he spent the remainder of his career as a senior technical editor drafting proposals for aerospace technology and systems until his retirement in 2012. When he wasn’t working at his demanding day job he spent time renovating apartment buildings to provide affordable living options for renters as well as maintaining the Gafvert family’s historic 1904 Victorian home.

Marty was well liked for his compassion and wry sense of humor; his generosity was appreciated by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He enjoyed time with family and friends, many of whom shared his passion for UCLA sports, the Dodgers, and games of pickup basketball.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rebecca Fischer Gafvert; his son Andrew, wife Sarah, and their children Kevin and David; his daughter Sheila; his niece Dayna Nelson, husband Greg, and their children Tyler and Natalie; his nephew Eric Shipp, wife Katrena, and their son Ethan; and “nephew” Ian Fagan. Plus all of the Fischer relatives who have officially been family since 1976.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena on April 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Marty can be made to the South Pasadena High School Alumni Association general scholarship fund (https://www.sphsaa.org/Scholarships.htm).

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting https://www.cabotandsons.com/obituaries/obituary-listings.

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