Obituary of Daniel A. Gavin

Daniel A. Gavin Sr., age 68, of Garnet Valley, PA, passed away on December 28, 2018 at Riddle Memorial Hospital. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Drexel Hill, PA, he resided for the past 22 years in Garnet Valley, PA, previously residing in Aston, PA. Daniel was a service technician for Verizon for 39 years, retiring in 2009. Prior to becoming a service technician, he was the first male telephone operator in the state of Pennsylvania. After retirement from Verizon, he worked for Enterprise Car Rental Company. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School, class of 1969. Daniel served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Child and had a strong faith in God. Dan was a talker, a jokester, and a storyteller. He loved playing games. He was an avid Pinochle player and a master Backgammon player. He enjoyed outdoor activities; golf, the beach, and coaching Little League baseball. He was a diehard fan of Philadelphia teams and a season ticket holder for his favorite team, the Eagles. He was known for his legendary Eagles tailgates. Dan and his wife, Jona, enjoyed traveling, dancing, going to concerts,and spending time with their many friends and family. He will be remembered for his zest for living life, his boisterous laughter and wicked sense of humor. Always a helping hand, he generously showed compassion to those in need. His family was his greatest joy, the heart and soul of his life. He loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sports events and musical performances. His strong sense of family extended to his many friends as well. He is preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Kathleen West Gavin, a sister, Kathleen Mazzuca and his mother-in-law, Jona Nelmes, who passed away on December 30, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Jona K. Gavin, his 3 beloved sons and their families; James Joseph (Steve Bobo), Daniel Gavin Jr., Justin (Gina) Gavin, ,2 beloved stepsons Matthew Zoba and Mark Zoba, 2 treasured brothers and their families; Michael (Kate) Gavin and David (Amelia) Gavin, as well as his dear brothers in law, John Mazzuca Sr., Kenneth (Karon) Nelmes, John (Deena) Nelmes, Andrew (Paula) Nelmes; sisters in law Peggy De La Rosa, and Sheila (Ron) Schunk, 7 deeply loved grandchildren; Julia Coale, Skylar Zoba, Liliana Zoba, Morgan Bobo, Emma Bobo, Sophia Napolitano, Justin Gavin Jr., and a host of cherished nieces, nephews,and cousins. He is also survived by his very dear friends, Larry, Bonnie, Sean, and Kara Kelly. A visitation will be held on Monday evening, January 7, 2019 7-9PM and Tuesday, January 8, 2019, 8:45-9:45AM, at the Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd., Garnet Valley, PA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10:30AM at Church of the Holy Child, 2500 Naamans Road, Wilmington, DE. Interment S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dan's memory may be sent payable to Jona Gavin, 1457 Powell Circle, Garnet Valley, PA 19060 for the Gavin grandchildren's education. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com