David Gavin Maciel

David "Tony" Gavin Maciel of Buffalo, TX, formerly of Waterbury, CT, formerly of Falmouth, MA, passed away on September 8, 2025, at St. Lukes Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He was 60 years old.

Tony was born in Brookline, MA, in 1965. During his early years, he developed a knack for fixing things, eventually developing a strong passion for electronics. He attended Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Bourne, MA, and then Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, where he studied electronics repair.

After marrying in his late twenties in Falmouth and starting a family, he opened an electronics repair shop in Chatham, MA. A few years later, he moved to Waterbury where he continued to build his family and began what would be a 25-year career with the local phone company. He truly loved his job as a phoneline repair tech and prided himself on being one of the best at fixing his customer's phone issues. But he wasn't just great at his job — his kindness, dedication and contagious smile made it easy for him to make lasting connections with many of his customers, building friendships across the Northwest Corner of Connecticut.

During his son's high school years, true to his generous spirit and contagious energy, Tony began volunteering with the Kennedy High School robotics team. He was endlessly encouraging and supportive of the hundreds of students he mentored over the course of nearly 10 years. When he wasn't working hard, volunteering with the robotics team or baking up a yummy treat, you might find him working on his Harley Davidson Sportster, seeking out deals (and tools!) at a local flea market or playing air guitar (and sometimes real guitar) to a rock and roll tune. Tony spent his last few years in Buffalo, TX, relaxing, fishing, snuggling with his cats Annie and Becca and, of course, fixing anything that needed fixing. During this time, he also became a Freemason and active member of the Buffalo Masonic Lodge, which he was very proud of.

Tony's legacy of kindness, strength and resiliency will live on through his children, Melissa Fish, Veronica Maciel and David Maciel of Connecticut whom he shares with Teresa Fish, mother Leslie Hensler (Spence) and her husband Denny Hensler of Buffalo, TX, brother Brian Maciel and his wife Lisa and their children Cassidy and Logan, and brother Richard Maciel and his husband Rocco. Tony was predeceased by his father Donald "Chip" Maciel.

A memorial will be held in Buffalo on November 1. A celebration of life will be held in Waterbury in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Tony's memory might consider donating to FIRST Robotics at FirstInspires.org/donate or to the Lupus Foundation of America.

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