Gerard ‘Jerry’ Gavin

OBITUARY

Gerard Jerry Gavin, 62, of North Scranton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, November 25, 2025, surrounded by friends and family. Born in Scranton, son of the late John and Mary Murphy Gavin, Jr., he was a proud North Scranton native and a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, Class of 1982. Jerry dedicated more than three decades of service to the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, retiring as Custodial Service Manager.

Jerry was fondly known as Gotta Game, a nickname earned from a lifetime spent on courts, fields, and golf courses. No matter the sport – basketball, softball, or golf – he was always ready for competition and always left saying his signature, Gotta Game. He served as both a high school and college-level PIAA basketball official and was recognized in August 2024 by the PIAA Officials for 34 years of service.

Jerry was a founding member of the Frank O’Neill Golf Tournament, helping build it from its start in 1991 into one of the most cherished community tournaments in the region. He took great pride in its enduring legacy and the friendships formed over the past 34 years, and he was proud to boast that he was one of the champions of the tournament.

A longtime member of Emanon Country Club, Jerry served as president of the Industrial League and was an active member of the Golf Tournaments Committee. A talented golfer, he celebrated many accomplishments on this course, including an impressive six holes in one.

Jerry also loved the game of softball and played for many years on various teams in the Scranton Tavern League. He continued his competitive streak beyond the field as a longtime member of the Scranton Pool League, where he played for many seasons.

An avid sports fan, Jerry most notably supported Syracuse basketball – organizing memorable bus trips to games – as well as Notre Dame football, the New York Yankees, and the Minnesota Vikings (SKOL). His love of sports shaped his routines and the comradery he cherished with the people around him.

Jerry will be remembered as someone people were simply proud to call a friend. He was the person you wanted on your team – steady, competitive, and always ready for whatever came next. If there was an argument to be had, Jerry only entered it when he knew he could win. Friends knew they could count on him, not just because he showed up when needed, but because he was always up for an adventure. Whether he was playing, reffing, catching a game, or heading out to see Bruce Springsteen for the twenty-something time, Jerry didnt sit still for long. His quick one-liners, dry humor, and unmistakable presence at every gathering became part of the rhythm of life for the people around him. His absence will be felt deeply, but the memories he leaves behind will continue to bring smiles, laughs, and stories for years to come.

Jerry is survived by two brothers, James Mert Gavin, and wife Sandy, Scranton, and Patrick Flash Gavin, and wife Kim, Throop; his fiance, Maura McGowan Foley, Dunmore; a niece, Dana Marion, and husband Andrew, Dunmore; a nephew, Patrick Gavin, and wife Ryah, Scranton; and two great-nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Gavin.

The funeral will be conducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 320 William Street, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 47 p.m. at the Edward Knight O’Donnell Funeral Home, LLC, 323 William Street, Scranton. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Frank O’Neill Memorial Fund at any Community Bank NA branch in honor of Jerry’s lifelong dedication to local sports and youth athletics.

Condolences may be shared at freganfuneral.com.

Gerard ‘Jerry’ Gavin

November 25, 2025