Michael J. Gainer Sr.

Michael James Gainer, Sr., 66, of Levittown, passed away on December 5 after a short battle with cancer. Michael was born on February 6, 1955 to Patricia (O'Hara) and Leo Gainer in Kalamazoo, MI. Michael would spend his first 9 years in Dushore, PA on the Gainer family farm prior to settling in Levittown, PA. After graduating from Bishop Egan high school in 1973, where he starred as football team co-captain and earned the nickname "The Big Gainer" for his elusiveness (though the running back would modestly say he was merely running from his larger pursuers), Michael would spend the first half of his career as a landscaper with Mighty Mowers and Final Touch Landscaping before retiring after 20 years as a warehouse manager with the Hibbert Group. Michael and Kathleen (Ward), who attended Bishop Egan's sister high school, Bishop Conwell, married in September 1976. Michael and Kathleen had two children, Michael and Grace. After retiring in 2017, Michael took on an even more important job: best friend and "Poppy" to his grandson Benjamin. Michael would take care of Benjamin several days during the week and his parents remain forever grateful for his devotion–and for several years worth of free Saturday nights. Michael was also beloved by his grandsons Liam and Patrick, who they lovingly called "M&M". Michael was an accomplished cook (who would never reveal what was in anything he made) and loved good food. And Sundays were his time to shine, whether it was summer grilling in the backyard or a hearty autumn dinner after a Philadelphia Eagles game. Cooking was actually an extension of his love of using his hands, whether he was preparing a meal, maintaining his lawn and beds, or having a catch. Michael also loved sports and was unfailingly loyal to the local teams, regardless of whether they were deserving or not. (Go Birds.) He was warm, fun, and optimistic–and amazingly even-keeled, even in the teeth of his illness. He liked people and would talk to–and help–anyone. Michael never wanted for much; he knew he had all he needed in his home and his family. He was content and deeply loved. In addition to his wife, Kathleen, two children, Michael and Grace, and three grandsons, Benjamin, Liam, and Patrick, Michael is survived by his mother, Patricia (O'Hara) Gainer, Robert and Sharon (Baba) Gainer, Thomas Gainer, Edward and Deborah (Jackson) Gainer, his sister Donna (Gainer) Javornik, his daughter-in-law Michelle (Golobish) Gainer, his son-in-law William Bush, and large extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Leo, his sister, Karen (Gainer) Zanolini. Family and friends are invited to Michael's Life Celebration on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 1 PM – 3 PM, Followed by his Memorial Service at 3 PM, at the Beck Givnish Life Celebration Home, 7400 New Falls Rd., Levittown, PA 19055.