Thomas R. Gavin, age 64, of Mountain Top, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning at home following a brief illness. He is survived by his adoring wife, Freda Giberson Gavin. The couple celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on August 4th.
Born in Scranton on February 23, 1952, Tom was the son of the late Thomas A. Gavin and Gloria McAndrew Gavin of Scranton. He was a graduate of the former Central High School, Class of 1970. He continued his educational career at
Lackawanna Business College, earning his Associates Degree. While at Lackawanna, he was reccgonized as “Who’s Who in American Colleges and distinguished himself as a basketball stand out and became captain of the varsity basketball team He attended Mansfield University and then returned home to attend the University of Scranton.
For many years, Tom served as owner and operator of Jimmy’s Place in Dunmore. He was presently employed by NJ Transit as a conductor.
A former Eagles Scout, Tom was a passionate sports fan. He was a die-hard fanatic of the New York Yankees and the NY Giants and he enjoyed playing baseball and golf throughout most of his life. His greatest love, however, was his family. A loving husband, father, son brother and uncle. Tom leaves behind a legacy of his selfless and caring nature, always putting everyone before himself. He will be forever missed.
He is also survived by his adored children, Christopher Brown of Slocum, and Brandon and Summer Gavin, both of Mountain Top; his siblings, Mary Ann Sintich and husband Charles Jordan of Westfield, New Jersey, Michael Gavin and wife Diane of Taylor, Judy Prisco and husband Dr. Sam of Moscow, Jean Tomaine of Dickson City and John Gavin and wife Anna of Hawthorne, Nevada; and many nieces and nephews.
Also preceding him in death were siblings, William (Bill) Gavin and Atty. Peggy Gavin.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:00PM in St. Ann’s Basilica, 1250 St. Ann Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Father Jack Connor, C.P., Tom’s first cousin. Interment will be private.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects upon the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to the donor’s favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge.