MICHAEL JOHN GAVIGAN - Passed away on January 06, 2021

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MICHAEL JOHN GAVIGAN
  • Passed away on January 06, 2021

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Obituary

MICHAEL JOHN GAVIGAN

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Michael John Gavigan.  Michael passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 5, 1955, Michael resided in Vineland, New Jersey before moving to The Villages, Florida in 2010.

He is preceded by his parents, John and Margaret Gavigan. Michael is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jacqueline; children, Ryan and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Ava and Patrick; siblings, Marge (Dennis) Banks and Kevin Gavigan; godmother, Lois Gavigan; and special in-laws, Sandy and John Asselta.

Employed as a supervisor at the Vineland Developmental Center for 32 years, he was also active in his community and enjoyed volunteering with the Special Olympics and Boy Scouts of America Troop 36.

Michael had many interests. He loved to read, appreciated fine wine, and was a jazz enthusiast, especially the music of Dave Brubeck, Maynard Ferguson, and John Klemmer. In 1986, his love of jazz led him and Jacqueline to the King of France Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland, where he met clarinetist Kenny Davern. Kenny signed a copy of his album with the quote “Get the best years.” This phrase remained Michael’s personal motto for the rest of his life.

Fascinated by lighthouses, Michael and Jacqueline planned their 1987 wedding atop a World War II army bunker on the beach in Cape May Point with its lighthouse as the backdrop. Over the years, visiting lighthouses remained a mainstay for numerous seashore vacations.

Michael looked forward to early retirement and moving to The Villages in 2010, where he immediately immersed himself in an active lifestyle. He most enjoyed the relationships he forged with friends and neighbors with whom he golfed, fished, and played water volleyball.

Retirement also meant more time to travel…and travel he did. With Jacqueline as the navigator and Michael behind the wheel on several cross-country road trips, they visited America’s National Parks, wineries, and U.S. Presidential Libraries. Michael’s travel also included trips abroad, including Ireland. He was particularly proud of his Irish heritage and visited County Mayo where his Gavigan ancestors originated from.

One thing is certain, Michael surely enjoyed life and “Got the best years.”

A private funeral service will be held at a later date.

Our family extends our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jennifer Cultrera for her unwavering guidance and support.

Donations in remembrance of Michael may be sent to SOZO Kids (19186 NE 13th Street, Silver Springs, FL 34488 or sozokids.org).  SOZO Kids provides assistance to impoverished children who live in the Ocala National Forest.

 

 

 

 


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  1. Yvonne Lindsey lit a candle:
    10 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 10, 2021 at 1:02:57 PM

  2. Patricia Folwell says:
    10 Jan 2021
    Prayers for the family and friends if John,John was always a true gentleman and will be missed by many,I know that he touched many people's lives in a positive mannor,may he continue to R.I.P.

  3. Debra Saul says:
    10 Jan 2021
    So sorry to hear this news . Our sympathy to you and your son.

  4. Eric Ehlers posted an image:
    09 Jan 2021
    The four amigos of Village of Piedmont celebrating New Year’s Eve 2013. L-R Pat Murphy, Eric Ehlers, Michael Gavigan and Bob Vogel.
    The four amigos of Village of Piedmont celebrating New Year’s Eve 2013. L-R Pat Murphy, Eric Ehlers, Michael Gavigan and Bob Vogel.

  5. Eric Ehlers posted an image:
    09 Jan 2021
    Christmas with friends, 2016. We will miss you, dear friend.
    Christmas with friends, 2016. We will miss you, dear friend.

  6. Eric Ehlers posted an image:
    09 Jan 2021
    Michael and Jackie celebrating at the Village of Piedmont Christmas Party, December 3, 2017.
    Michael and Jackie celebrating at the Village of Piedmont Christmas Party, December 3, 2017.

  7. Eric Ehlers posted an image:
    09 Jan 2021
    One of Michael’s favorite activities, water volleyball. In The Villages Senior Games of 2014, Michael anchored the Gold Medal winning Intermediate team. L-R Michael Gavigan, Larry Cohen, Stu Kaufman, Merilee Fisk, Art Rogers and Eric Ehlers. RIP Michael.
    One of Michael’s favorite activities, water volleyball. In The Villages Senior Games of 2014, Michael anchored the Gold Medal winning Intermediate team. L-R Michael Gavigan, Larry Cohen, Stu Kaufman, Merilee Fisk, Art Rogers and Eric Ehlers. RIP Michael.

  8. Eric Ehlers posted an image:
    09 Jan 2021
    The four amigos from the Village of Piedmont, attending the Eagles - Bucs game on December 9, 2012. L-R Michael Gavigan, Bob Vogel, Pat Murphy and Eric Ehlers. RIP dear friend Michael.
    The four amigos from the Village of Piedmont, attending the Eagles - Bucs game on December 9, 2012. L-R Michael Gavigan, Bob Vogel, Pat Murphy and Eric Ehlers. RIP dear friend Michael.

  9. Martin Joseph Milita lit a candle:
    09 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 9, 2021 at 1:53:49 PM

  10. Martin Joseph Milita lit a candle:
    09 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 9, 2021 at 1:53:07 PM

  11. Martin Joseph Milita says:
    09 Jan 2021
    Janet, my sisters Maribeth and Trish and I, are so sorry to learn of Michael's passing. He was the best man at our wedding and truly an even better man in the greater world. Our deepest condolences Jackie to you and all your loved ones.

  12. Judy and Joe Brumbaugh says:
    09 Jan 2021
    May God be with you and your family, to provide you comfort and let his love and peace fill your heart once more.
    Rest in peace Michael.

  13. Judy and Joe Brumbaugh lit a candle:
    09 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 9, 2021 at 1:33:58 PM

  14. Chris Simone says:
    09 Jan 2021
    I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss playing water volleyball with Michael. He would have that serious look on his face and then give you that quick smile. Rest In Peace.

  15. Patricia Heck says:
    09 Jan 2021
    Love , Peace and Prayers to Jackie and family. Gone too soon , but a life well lived.

  16. Patricia Heck lit a candle:
    09 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 9, 2021 at 1:19:08 AM

  17. Lynn Davis & Craig Salvati lit a candle:
    08 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 8, 2021 at 1:23:40 PM

  18. Lynn Davis & Craig Salvati lit a candle:
    08 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 8, 2021 at 1:22:53 PM

  19. Jeanette and. Pete. Ganio lit a candle:
    08 Jan 2021
    Lit since January 8, 2021 at 1:38:13 PM

  20. Jeanette and Pete Ganio says:
    08 Jan 2021
    So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was full of life and will be sorely missed. Michael was passionate regarding his job and was so well liked and always there for our clients and staff. Michael and Jackie served our Employees Association for many years. They both were always there to help, organize and work our activities. He was the best Master of Ceremony! We will miss him and know he is no longer suffering. Until we meet again Michael

  21. mary sabella says:
    08 Jan 2021
    Jackie, Ryan and family,
    You're in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Michael is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

  22. mary sabella says:
    08 Jan 2021
    Jackie, Ryan and family,
    You're in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Michael is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

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