Michael Richard Gavern, Sr., 85, of Scranton passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024 in hospice care in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Born in Scranton, he was the second youngest child of James R. and Anna E. (Pidich) Gavern and spent the majority of his life in the city’s South Side.

In his youth, he was a popular basketball player in the Central Boys Club and worked alongside his father in the family trucking business. He graduated from the former Scranton Technical High School and later served as a Private in the US Army at Fort Dix.

Throughout the 70s, Mike worked as a truck driver for Sherwin Williams, and when not with his family, could be found sharing a brew with his buddies at Pete Bordie’s, the Cassanova, or Lydia’s Tavern. In 1980, he began what would be a 40 year career in the housekeeping department of Moses Taylor Hospital, a job he maintained through his 82nd birthday.

Always quick with a bright smile and a joke, Mike was known to all for his humor and gentle nature, but most especially for his incredible singing voice, which he generously shared at family functions, social events and the occasional pub.

Later in life, he enjoyed the simplicity of a walk around Lake Scranton with his brother George, partaking in a different kind of brew with his regular morning coffee circle, and delivering his favorite Rodney Dangerfield jokes to anyone who needed a good laugh.

He leaves behind his daughter Lori (Jeffrey) Roberts and son, Michael (Alyssa) Gavern, Jr., granddaughters Megan (Jack) Gilliat, Emma Schadler and Lucy Gavern, brother George (Arlene) Gavern, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Isabelle and Mary; and three brothers, John, Nicholas and James.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club via a link on this page. A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, February 18th at Cusumano’s in Old Forge. All friends, co-workers, and family are welcomed to come share refreshments and memories and raise a glass to Mike’s memory. "Until death, it is all life.” (Don Quixote)

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