William M. Gaynor Jr.

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La Salle College High School Vineland High School

William Gaynor Obituary

WILLIAM M. GAYNOR JR. William M. Gaynor, Jr. was born on February 27, 1927 and died on June 4, 2006 in Vero Beach, Florida. On September 7, 1979 he married Eileen Mary Hearn who gave him the love and companionship he had long sought. When she died on September 11, 1997, he suffered an emptiness which remained with him the rest of his life. Her death broke his heart. He was fond of commenting that he and Eileen were "a matched pair". Now they are together again. Mr. Gaynor is survived by his son William M. Gaynor, III and his wife Cheryl, of Bradenton, FL; their children William (Aubree), Sean, and Kristin (Garrett Bohl); his brothers Martin (Dorothy) and their children Kathleen and Michael; and Daniel (Nola) and their daughter Dr. Mary Kate Gaynor. Mr. Gaynor was born in Philadelphia and attended the Catholic elementary schools of that city. He was a graduate of La Salle College High School (1945) and La Salle College (1952). In high school he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was co-captain of the football team in 1944 and the Catholic League Champion in the shot-put and discus for 1944 and 1945. He sailed in the U. S. Merchant Marine and served in the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers, 29th Engineer Topographic Battalion in the Philippine Islands. In college he was a member of the freshman baseball team and the track team for 4 years. After college Mr. Gaynor taught at La Salle College High School, the Philadelphia Public School System, and Vineland High School, Vineland, N.J. from which he retired in 1987 after 32 years of service. While at Vineland HS he was, for a time, head coach of both the football and track teams each of which won championships in the South Jersey Group IV Conference and the New Jersey State Sectionals. He was also the president of the Vineland Education Association for 2 years. In October 1988 Mr. Gaynor and his wife Eileen moved from Brigantine, N.J. to Marco Island, FL where he lived until March of 1999. He then alternately lived for a time with his son in Bradenton, FL, Ocean City, N. J., and Vero Beach, FL until he moved into the Indian River Estates West, Vero Beach, FL in June of 2001. The family requests no flowers, however memorial donations in his name may be made to the building fund for St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 950 - 82nd Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32966. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00AM on June 9th at St. John's followed by a reception at Indian River Estates. All friends, family, and acquaintances are invited.

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Published by TC Palm on Jun. 7, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Gaynor

7 Entries

William Gaynor, III

June 13, 2006

Thank you all for the kind words of remembrance about how my father touched your lives. We really appreciate your comments and stories. I posted his obituary in the Atlantic City Press last week, but it still hasn't appeared in Vineland yet for some reason...I'll work on that tomorrow.

Steve Hawk

June 8, 2006

Mr. Gaynor was a very memorable teacher. The amount of respect that he commanded was awesome. I think about him from time to time, especially while using the geometry skills he taught us during the 1978-1979 school year at VHS North. My condolences to his family. His memory will always be with me.

Robert & Betty Marcini

June 8, 2006

As a colleague and friend of Bill I was shocked to hear of his death.We emailed each other over the years and I always enjoyed hearing the updates in his life. Our sympathies are extended to his family.

Pamela Richardsen

June 8, 2006

I remember Mr. Gaynor well -- he was my math teacher in 1974-75. He commanded the respect of his students just by his presence, but

he also had a warm side that he shared through his unique sense of humor as you got to know him. Mr. Gaynor was a highly regarded and skilled teacher, and I remember him with great fondness. My most sincere sympathy for the Gaynor family during this difficult time.

Gerald J. Barry

June 8, 2006

I was fortunate enough as Principal of Vineland High School to have Bill Gaynor as teacher, coach and friend during his entire career in Vineland.

Bill was a gifted instructor, powerful in stature and intially intimidating in his no-nonsense approach in the classroom. But, going behind his facade, students discovered he had a beautiful human touch and priceless warmth.

My wife and I extend our prayers to his son, Bill, and all the family.

Carol Flickinger

June 8, 2006

So sorry for the loss of a wonderful neighbor while I lived on 20th ST in Brigantine. My children referred to him as "Gaynor with the hat" when he was outside working in the yard. Eileen did not always have a hat on and that's how they told them apart. I have many Christmas ornaments that adorn my tree from "The Gaynors" for each of my 3 children. He will be missed. I still receive Christmas cards of the happenings in Florida and still hope to hear from Pat. So sorry.

Laura Barry

June 8, 2006

Mr Gaynor was my geometry teacher at VHS in 1973. He ranked among my favorite and certainly most memorable teachers. Several decades later, I still recall his "corny" ways to remember theorums, proofs and givens, and this is how I taught my own children to remember them as well. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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