Due to the snow storm and snow removal there will be no parking on Main Street Until Further Notice
From the Mayor’s Office
April 15, 2025
Roger
We recently lost a dear friend of Warwick.
Roger L. Gavan was known for his writing skills, documenting daily life and business activity through his column, “The Business Notebook” in the Warwick Advertiser. The weekly column was an insightful journal that personalized and supported the business community. Over a span of over 35 years, Roger was not only an observer of community and business activity, but his positive outlook and careful and effective written words were instrumental in the continued growth and vibrancy of our Village and Town.
It is sometimes the subtle power of clear, well-written journalism that can have an impact. Roger gave the business community a consistent and reliable voice. His words and photographs told us the value and importance of the men and women who set up shop and invested in our downtowns and beyond. His column was not only a support mechanism, but it also set the stage for business development. Having a clear and positive focus on small business gave the message that this was a stable and supportive environment to achieve success. During the many years of coverage, the Chamber and business community flourished.
His writing went beyond a singular business perspective by examining the human and individual aspects of entrepreneurship. His writing also included stories of local men and women who impacted our community through good acts, creativity, and generosity.
Roger was at every ribbon cutting and Merchant or Chamber event. Hardly a week would go by that I didn’t receive a call or visit from Roger asking for a quote or my perspective as a business owner and Mayor. I always enjoyed our conversations and through that connection we grew to be friends.
Roger was tall, which was an asset in a crowd – I imagine you get the lay of the land and know how to navigate. I see him now in an all-weather, practical coat, a camera around his neck, giving subtle instructions to get the best shot. He was unassuming, extremely smart, kind, had a great sense of humor and understanding of human irony. He was, above all, humble. Roger seemed omnipresent and if he was a tad late for an event, which was uncommon, someone would say, “Where’s Roger?”
We will miss the presence of this wonderful and gentle man, dedicated to his wife and family and to his community. It is men and women like Roger that have shaped us to where we are today. Roger has a place on our busy Main Street and the pages of a local newspaper, but especially a place in our hearts. Goodbye, dear friend.
