Obituaries

Joseph Gavanis of Blakely passed away Thursday at Green Ridge Health Care Center in Scranton following an illness. He was 90 years old.

On December 12, 2018, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Smola) Gavanis.

Born in Dickson City on January 26, 1936, and son of the late Anthony and Mary (Petsko) Gavanis, Joseph was a graduate of the former Dickson City High School.

He studied at Lackawanna Business School before entering the U.S. Army. He proudly served in Korea before receiving his honorable discharge from the Army Reserves on May 2, 1963.

For 38 years, Joseph worked at Tobyhanna Army Depot, serving as director of several departments prior to his 1993 retirement.

Always on the go and to be remembered in so many ways, he was a member of the Shopa-Davey V.F.W. Post #6082 of Peckville and was also a devoted and lifelong member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Dickson City. He loved fishing and hunting, never passed up a good dessert, and always enjoyed his breakfasts out – either with his friends at The Honkey Tonk Restaurant or at Wayne’s Diner. Above all else came his beloved daughter and grandchildren, whom he adored while never missing an opportunity to be at any of their events or functions.

He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loved ones including his daughter, Laura Muha and husband Gregory of Dickson City; his grandchildren who will miss their “dido”, Ethan Muha of Blakely and Mackey Muha of Dickson City; his brother, Richard Gavanis of Archbald; and nieces and nephews.

His family would like to thank the entire staff of Green Ridge Health Care Center for its compassion and care throughout Joseph’s stay.

A Divine Liturgy is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 522 Main Street in Dickson City, to be celebrated by Rev. Alexi Kalyuzhny, Pastor. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery, Justus.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to his church c/o St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 522 Main Street in Dickson City, PA 18519.

Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Homes, Inc., Old Forge and West Scranton. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.