Obituaries

Dear Kathy and Family: I would like to express my deepest condolences on Gaynor's passing. He was indeed a true gentleman and a very funny guy. His presence was felt in any situation. I remember his windup when he pitched at the Oxford Plot and how he extended his right leg before making his pitch. He was poetry in motion and not easy to hit. My favorite story he would tell was about Aunt Winnie and his Mother. I still chuckle when I think of it after hearing it over 30 years ago at the Guy Valvano Testimonial Dinner. He made us all roar and laugh that night serving as Master of Ceremonies. He did have a knack for serving as an MC. I remember traveling to Harrisburg many times and looking forward to lobby him on issues pertaining to public education. He would always greet me with a big Gaynor smile and a hand shake while shouting my name Casper. I hope all of you fine peace, love and comfort among family and friends during these sad and difficult times. May he rest in peace in God's hands and above all cherish his memory. Frank Casper Koczwara Greenwood, SC

Posted by Frank Casper Koczwara on March 18, 2021

Simply put , Gaynor was a very bright light in a well lit room. He was a wonderful Father , a great Husband, a terrific athlete and did much for our community which he represented so honorably well . His terrific sense of humor was a gift. He will be missed May God bless him , Kathy , and the entire Cawley family . May he rest in peace.

Posted by Bob Shlesinger on March 16, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss! Please accept my sympathy for the great loss you are experiencing and my gratitude to the Cawley family for the gift that you were and are to Scranton and its environs. I was blessed to work with Pat and thus come to know Gaynor and his wonderful family. He was a star politician and a wonderful human being, who brought humor and compassion to my life.

Posted by Dr. Ruth A Connolly on March 16, 2021

To the entire Cawley family: Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved John, affectionately known to all as Gaynor. I first met Gaynor when he was pitching for St. Patrick's High School and I was a bat boy for their arch rivals St. Ann's Monastery High School. I was awed by Gaynor's pitching. He was the best I had seen at that age. Many years later, we reconnected while working for the City of Scranton. He was just a genuine nice human being and treated everyone with kindness and respect. From this I learned that this physical journey on earth is not all about our individuality but how we treat others. This has become my legacy and I'll be forever grateful to Gaynor for teaching me this. Please know that his spirit will be with you forever !

Posted by Dennis M O\'Hearn on March 15, 2021

So sorry to hear of Gaynor’s passing. I worked for him years ago when he was the Director of Parks and Recreation. I have many fond memories of those years. Gaynor was a great guy to work for and a joy to be around. Condolences to his family.

Posted by Al Jumper on March 15, 2021

Which I could be there with you all to say so long for now .My prayers are with you all.May God keep you and bless you all love cousin Katie

Posted by catherine Kman on March 15, 2021

Our sincere condolences on your loss. I worked for Tom Tigue and share the same office location with Gaynor. He was a wonderful man and always had me in stitches with his stories and tales. His kindness goes beyond words and he will be missed. Prayers, Hugs to his beautiful wife Kathy and his girls and their families. God Bless you all.

Posted by Sandy, Scott, Breanna and Cody Mutzabaugh on March 15, 2021

Dear Cawley Family, I knew your Dad and his family growing up in the Bellevue section. He was a wonderful man-truly respected in all aspects of his life. I am sorry for your loss and will always have found memories of him. God bless you all and give you strength in this difficult time. D. Gaynor and Rose Egan

Posted by DONALD GAYNOR AND ROSE EGAN on March 15, 2021

What a loss! The years of knowing Gaynor as a lobbyist and friend were filled with a lot of laughs and insights that only Gaynor could provide. His infectious humor and self-deprecating personality were so welcomed. Gaynor believed in mutual respect and courtesy, so needed in today's world. Kathy and to the entire Cawley family, my sympathies and prayers go out to you. I just wanted you to know that Gaynor will always be remembered in state government as someone who cared about people yet did not take himself seriously while championing their causes. God bless you, Gaynor!

Posted by Rocco Pugliese on March 15, 2021

We were very heartbroken to hear of the passing of our neighbor Gaynor. He was a kind and caring man who will be greatly missed. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences to his wife Kathy and his entire family.

Posted by Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Cruciani on March 15, 2021

Kathy and family.......sorry for OUR loss.........You and Gaynor have been friends since I was a kid............and that will continue..............................

Posted by Rich Brill on March 15, 2021

Gaynor was one of the finest people I ever knew. I am sorry for the loss to Kathy and family. Our prayers are with you.

Posted by Hank & Helen Hulse on March 15, 2021

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. Cherish all the memories of this wonderful man. Prayers to all and may Gaynor rest in peace. Gus-Renee DePietro & Family

Posted by Gus-Renee DePietro on March 15, 2021

What a great loss to the world. He will be missed by so many. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you have of him. ❤️

Posted by Ami vancosky petrewski on March 15, 2021

Very sorry to hear about the passing of my good friend Gaynor. My sympathize to Kathy and the girls. He was a great friend and a great person who always thought of others and not himself. The years I spent working for him were some of the best of my life and I was honored to help him get elected to the legislature. If there is anything I can do for your family, please let me know.

Posted by WILLIAM JENKINS on March 15, 2021

We are very sorry to read about Gaynor’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Judy and Rich Senker

Posted by Judy Senker on March 15, 2021

I am very sorry. I knew Gaynor as a young boy playing baseball at the oxford plot. Many years ago. He was a fine person .Dorothy Rodney Russell

Posted by dorothy russell on March 14, 2021