July 8, 1924 - June 3, 2016 OKLAHOMA CITY John Gavula, age 91, of Oklahoma City, passed away June 3, 2016. He was the son of Theodore and Anna (Kaczmarczyk) Gavula and was born and raised in Mahanoy City, PA. He served in the Navy during WWII. In 1960, he received his master's in education with advanced studies in mathematics. John married Shirley Elizabeth Page on July 12, 1947. He was a longtime football coach and math teacher in the OKC area, including Casady and Bishop McGuinness High Schools, and was an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at OCU for 17 years. He was a member of the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the OCU Hall of Fame, and the Bishop McGuinness Athletic Hall of Fame. John was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steve; daughter, Mary; and eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley; children, John (Ginger) Gavula, Joe (Jamie) Gavula, James (LuAnn) Gavula, George (Theresa) Gavula, Carol (Nevyle) Cable, Anna (David) Niles, Patrick (Deborah) Gavula; the late Steve Gavula's wife, Dawn; 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. His love of football and teaching was only exceeded by his love of family. Viewing will be Monday, June 6, 2016, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. with family present 5-7 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2016, 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with interment to follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rosary Catholic School at St. Francis. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com www.mercer-adams.com

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Published by Oklahoman from Jun. 6 to Jun. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN GAVULA

14 Entries

Alice Grattan

August 2, 2018

Hi John! This is your 5th grade teacher, Sister Jean Louis. I'm was sorry to read aabout your father's death. That was my first year of teaching. I remember a lot of the students from that class. I remember I got a modern math workbook for my top math students and that you brought math games and puzzles to share with the class. I remember also that we got the science books off the bottom shelf and dusted them and had a science club meeting once a week. I left the convent 3 years later, taught high school math, became a computer specialist, then became a chiropractor. I see you became an engineer. I have thought about you over the years and remember your joy for learning. Take care, Alice Grattan DC.
[email protected].

Eric Riggs

June 9, 2016

I knew John Gavula from Bishop McGuinness High school he was a Great coach Great teacher and he brought a positive influence to the students everyday and my Father Raymond Riggs knew him when he brought his car to the Gavula Brothers to have it fix My Dad said he is a Great man n I agree John Gavula is a Great man he will be missed for sure

SHIRLEY RYAN

June 9, 2016

Members of the Mahanoy City High School Alumni Association extend their sincere sympathies to John's family. He is fondly remembered by his classmates (1942) and friends from MCHS.
Shirley E. Ryan, President
MCHS Alumni Association

Marc Magness

June 7, 2016

Coach Gavula saw the potential in his players and had a way of inspiring them to perform at that level. He was very old school in the best sense. He had good morals and a good work ethic. He demanded the same of his players. The world would be a better place if there were more coaches like him.

Philip Blette

June 7, 2016

Coach was a great teacher. He made math class fun and interesting at the same time. He's one of the High School teachers that I'll always remember. Condolences to his family.

Kyle Johnson

June 7, 2016

Mr Gavula was the greatest teacher. In his classes and with him and his family I learned much, about integrity, precision, attention to detail. I also learned some math. My condolences to those who love and miss him.

Carl Putnam

June 7, 2016

Coach Gavula was a great football coach with an incredible defensive mind but also taught the honors senior level math classes. I loved his gruff and no-nonsense demeanor. He shared stories about building an elliptical pool table with his sons to demonstrate a geometric principle. A great mentor.

Robin Frates

June 7, 2016

Mr. Gavula had a way of making my least favorite subject--math--fun. He entertained us with his goofy jokes and challenged us to give our best. He gave me confidence in my mathematical ability, and I always think of him fondly, remembering his jocular voice and his warm encouragement. My condolences to his family. He was a gem.

Christopher Stanaszek

June 7, 2016

Coach Gavula was an inspiration to any athlete or student he interacted with. I will always remember and cherish the time I was able to spend with him. He will always be a part of my life and in my memory. My condolences to you all, and thank you for the opportunity to meet such a great man.

Gregory Khoury

June 6, 2016

To the family of Coach Gavula,
My sincerest condolences. Coach was one of my teachers that I will never forget. Our prayerS are with you and take care.

June 6, 2016

Coach Gavula wouldn't accept anything but my very best in math class. He helped me believe in myself. He was Tough but loving and taught us to laugh at ourselves. Coach left a lifelong positive effect on me. I have loved mathematics ever since and now love teaching it. I'm sure he is greatly missed. Sorry for your loss.

Charlie Doggett

June 6, 2016

Coach Gavula was my track coach and geometry teacher at Putman City HS 1950-1952. My favorite story was when Coach Gavula was taking me to the state track meet in his car. The car broke down and we had to thumb it to Stillwater. We laughed about this years later.
He was certainly a great influence in my life.

Tal& Janet Oden

June 6, 2016

Coach Gavula always had a warm greeting at the Gavula Bros. garage. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

June 6, 2016

Coach Gavula was an inspiring presence in the lives of so many. He will be missed.
He shared a passion of football and math that you don't see much.
He challenged many boys to grow up.
So sorry for your lose.

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