Joseph William Gavin, 90, passed away Monday, November 10, 2014 In May, Texas, after a long battle with COPD and CHF. Joseph was born in Albany, NY on May 26, 1924 to Parents Joseph Nelson Gavin and Alice Donovan Gavin.
Joseph spent his early years living on the family farm on the north side of Rensselaer, NY. At the age of 17 yrs he left the farm and entered the United States Marine Corp. He would spend the next 4 yrs in the Marines. Much of his service was spent in the Pacific. From Hawaii to Australia.
After discharge from the Marines he returned to Rensselaer. A short time later he would meet his future bride, Phyllis Louis McCarthy. They would marry on November 27, 1947 in Cohoes, NY.
He worked for Swift meat packing for almost 20 years before starting his own business, Portable Cleaners Inc. He co-owned PC until moving to Texas in 1979. They resided in Odessa, TX for many years before moving to Mansfield, McCallen, Sante Fe, NM, then back to Odessa. The past few years they were living in Brownwood. When Phyllis Passed away Sept 14, 2012, Joseph moved in with his son John who took care of him. Joseph enjoyed working with wood and welding. He was also a self taught TV repairman. If it was broke, he would learn how to fix it. He really enjoyed living out his last few years on the ranch. He enjoyed watching the chickens just as he did as a child on the family farm in Rensselaer, NY.Left to cherish his memory are his oldest Daughter, Joanne Gavin and her son Adam, of Pflugerville, TX. Oldest son Tommy Gavin and his wife Joann Gavin, of East Greenbush, NY. Youngest son, John Nelson Gavin and wife Linda, of May, Tx. He also leaves behind several Grandkids and Great Grandkids.
He was preceded in death by all of his siblings. Sister Leona Deleonardis, Brother Charles Gavin, Sister Mary Emanuele.
No service arrangements have been made. Cremation services have been made under the direction of Brownwood Funeral Home and Cremations. His ashes, along with his wife Phyllis’s, will be scattered across a hillside with a wonderful view. Online condolences may be made at www.brownwoodfuneralhome.net.
