Reno Vavala, 97, of Fall River, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Clifton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Somerset, after a short period of declining health.  Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late John Vavala and the late Elisa (DeMarco) Vavala.

Reno knew who he was and what he stood for.  He believed in following his heart and doing things his own way – not just to be different, but to simply be himself.  Always adventurous, he ran away from home as a teen to join the circus (to the dismay of his family!) and for a while he worked as a trainer breaking in racehorses.  He would remain passionate about both the circus, and horses, throughout his life.

Music was very important in his life.  A sign in his home reads, "Listen for the music in all things, and life will be a symphony of joy."  His musical career as a professional jazz drummer began in his teens as he played in bands locally, and later, in New York and Illinois.  He performed with a host of top names.

His musical career was interrupted for a few years by being drafted into the Army in 1951; he served honorably in combat during the Korean Conflict.  Upon his return in 1953, he resumed his career as a drummer in a band that performed in Bermuda for a conference of the "Big Three," playing Happy Birthday for Winston Churchill.

Reno belonged to the local Fall River Musicians Union 216.  He managed several bands throughout the years, including most importantly the Hills Mills Clown Band, which he and fellow drummer Buddy Braga formed in 1978.  He managed the band from 1978-2016, and along the way the band logged in more than 2,000 parades, including annually the Children's Holiday Parade in Fall River.  His and the band's participation in this parade would lead to his work with Citizens for Citizens; he became chief talent scout for this parade.  Well into his nineties, his enthusiasm for finding new attractions for the parade each year never flagged, and he was Grand Marshal for the parade in December 2023.

Concurrent with his musical career, his love of social interaction, and his innate sense of marketing helped him excel as a sales representative for a stationery company (setting up greeting card displays in stores throughout New England), and as a salesman in a men's clothing store, "Towne Toggery" in Fall River.

He had an incredible memory for names, stories from the road, jokes, and historical facts.  A true sports fan, he not only watched games (baseball and football were his favorites) he kept himself informed of all the business transactions in the organizations, and avidly rooted for the Red Sox and the Patriots.

Amongst all these interests and passions, one of his greatest would always be his work with Citizens For Citizens.  Reno has always been, and remains, a deeply respected, loved, and cherished member in the Greater Fall River RE-CREATION family.  He began his tenure in 2003 serving as a board member alongside Executive Director, Grace S. Gerling.  During this time, he continued serving as a Senior Aide then transitioned in his role to Foster Grandparent serving many wonderful years; his work with the organization proved critical with both the development and creation of many great community programs offered today.

Reno's gift and passion for music was instrumental in the conception of RE-CREATION's Senior Socials program. To this day, it remains one of the most popular programs created from the overwhelming positive feedback received over the years.  Adding to his success, he became the leading member of the Fall River Parade Committee for the annual Children's Holiday Parade.  Reno's compassion and commitment to the Greater Fall River community furthered the accomplishments of the organization and he will always be remembered for that.

Along the way, after the passing of his brother Bruno in 2020, he helped to establish a permanent home at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park for the monument to Italian Americans from the city who lost their lives in wars in the 20th Century.  This had been near and dear to his late brother's heart, and with the help of Reno's dear friend Fernando Sousa, it brought him great satisfaction to take this project to fruition.  In recognition of Reno's own military service, Fernando also sponsored him to be included on one of the Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. for veterans in October 2021.

Reno is survived by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and many friends who will miss him dearly.  Reno was predeceased by three siblings, Bruno Vavala, Vivian Talbot, and Louis Vavala, and his nephew Jack Vavala.

Following cremation arrangements with the Silva-Faria Funeral Home, Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Reno's Memorial Funeral Mass to be offered in St. John the Baptist Church, 945 Main Road, Westport at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026.  His cremains will be laid to rest in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA, with private Committal Service and Military Honors at a later time.

To ensure that the family receives all online condolences you may wish to share, please submit only to the funeral home's website [ www.silvafaria.com  at "Sign Guestbook" or "Send Sympathy Card"] and not through a third party. Thank you!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Reno's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; 800-805-5856; https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

OR

Shriners Children's Hospital, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114; 6617-722-3000; Donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children® (lovetotherescue.org) https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give

OR

Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168; 617-632-6099; https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/

"And the beat goes on."