Michael Thomas Gavan Sr.

Michael Thomas Gavan Sr.

Lakewood

Michael Thomas Gavan Sr. was born to Michael J. and Mary A. "Mae" (King) Gavan on July 15, 1932 in Lakewood. A lifelong Lakewood Piner, he was raised on Georgian Court College grounds until his 18th year. He was guided and nurtured by family and friends, many of whom were staff at the College. He graduated from St. Mary's Academy and was a member of the Lakewood High School class of 1950. He then married the beautiful Joyce Alice Anderson, enlisted in the National Guard in September of 1951 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E5 in September of 1954. He went on to build his general contracting firm Michael T. Gavan, Inc., constructing and renovating many buildings throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. He and Joyce built a house on Oakwood Avenue where they would raise their 4 children; they also made sure that it was a warm, open home to countless friends and neighbors. Michael enjoyed his work, as well as volunteering in many of Lakewood's community functions, such as Pop Warner football, Jaycee's, and St. Mary's Academy's Fathers club. Over the years, he was active in local politics, and was a parishioner of St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church. He was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #836 for 62 years and a member of the Lakewood Planning Bboard for 32 years (1970 to 2002), of which he served as chairman for 16 years. Michael T. loved life. He loved telling a good story and watching his Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a generous man and loved helping out anyone in need. But above all else, Michael loved and cherished his family, and there are no words to adequately express how much he will be missed.

Predeceased by his daughter, Annmarie, he is survived by his wife, Joyce A. (nee Anderson); three sons and their wives, Michael T. Jr. and Linda of Island Heights, Kevin P. and Elizabeth of Lakewood, and Brendan P. and Laura of Point Pleasant; and 8 grandchildren, Jennifer, Kevin, Kieran, Michael E., Tara, Shea, Brady and Liam.

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2012 at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 705 Brewers Bridge Road, Jackson. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon Saturday, Aug. 25 at St. Mary of the Lake RCC with burial to follow at St Mary's Cemetery, Lakewood. The family would like to thank everyone who cared for Michael in his last days, especially the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice. Donations may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice or David Zocchi Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.