William Patrick Gavin

William Patrick Gavin was born September 8, 1930 in New York City to James Joseph Gavin and Helen Dietrich and died December 20, 2016 in San Antonio. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Thelma Villanueva, his parents, James and Helen, his brother, James, Jr. and his niece, Eileen Gavin Kelly. He is survived by his children, Patricia Lynn Gavin, Karen Gavin Yarbrough and her husband Michael, William James Patrick Gavin and Barry Edward Gavin, sister-in-law Rita Gavin as well as the descendants of Carolina and Roberto Villanueva, a number too large to list. Bill began his boxing career under the tutelage of his beloved Uncle Ed Gavin earning a Golden Glove at the age of 8. He continued boxing in the service of the Naval Reserve, Air Force and Army winning most of his fights. He proudly served in Japan. While stationed in San Antonio, he met the love of his life, Thelma Villanueva at a USO dance in downtown San Antonio and married her right away. Returning to New York City, after an honorable discharge from service, Bill joined the Ironworkers Union Local 580. He served as an officer and delegate for the Union while helping build the NYC skyline, including the World Trade Towers. He worked very hard, sometimes three jobs, to provide a home and private school education for his children and said, "That's just what you do". Keeping a promise to Thelma to return to live in San Antonio, the family returned. As a member of Ironworkers Local 66, he worked on the Hemisphere Tower and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens as well as many other buildings. Golfing was his pleasure and when he retired from the iron he went to work as a Course Marshall at the Quarry Golf Course. He enjoyed keeping players moving along and keeping the bag boys on their toes. People knew him for his endless repertoire of jokes and songs. For 30 years, he was an official time keeper at the professional boxing matches in San Antonio. Again combining fun with work, Bill was in his element. He was an ardent and devoted husband to his love, Thelma, and a great father to his children. He was a "shoes shined, be on time" kind of man who never hid his love and was much loved in returned. Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, December 29th at 7:00 p.m.in the chapel at Porter Loring on McCullough. A Prayer Service will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 30th at Porter Loring with interment to follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. A reception following the burial will be at The Quarry Golf Club on Basse Rd. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Salvation Army.