J. Bruce Vavala, first Dewey Beach mayor

J. Bruce Vavala, 70, of Dewey Beach, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at his home. He was born Dec. 24, 1952, in Wilmington, son of the late Joseph and Anne Vavala.

Bruce attended Archmere Academy Class of 1970 and continued his education at the University of Delaware, graduating in 1975. He was a teacher and a realtor, and eventually the shop owner of Vavala’s Beach Things. In 1981, Bruce was elected the very first mayor of Dewey Beach. He had many interests and hobbies, including cooking, playing golf at Kings Creek Country Club, of which he was a member, and Dewey Beach Lions Club.  Bruce enjoyed watching sports, in particular, Notre Dame football and the Philadelphia Eagles. Above all, he cherished time spent with those he held most dear, especially his adored grandchildren. Bruce was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Loved by many, his larger-than-life personality will be genuinely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Vavala.  He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Eileen Vavala of Dewey Beach; his daughter, Kristine Vavala (RJ Martin) of Dewey Beach; his son, Joseph Vavala (Allison) of Rehoboth Beach; and his grandchildren, Lila Vavala and Tommy Vavala, both of Rehoboth Beach; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 8, at St. Edmond Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 189, Box Elder, SD  57719, npcf.us/donate-directly.

Visit Bruce’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.