Michael I. Gavin

michael gavin

May 7, 1928 ~ January 3, 2024

Born in: Clonaderig, Ireland
Resided in: Fremont, California

Michael Gavin passed away January 3, 2024, surrounded by his family. Michael was born to Patrick and Annie Gavin on May 7, 1928, in Clonaderig, Ballinahown, Co. Offaly, Ireland. He had 3 siblings sisters Mary, Nancy, and brother Paddy of Ireland. He took the long road to his final United States destination, Fremont, California via England, Canada, New York City and San Francisco.

In 1958 he met the love of his life Ellen Kelly at soccer match at Kezar Stadium. They were engaged on Christmas eve 1959 and married on September 17, 1960. They had 4 wonderful children, Michael (Mona), Noel (Loretta), Eileen (Glen) and Patrick (Melanie). Dad was Papa Mike to Brendan (Aya), Brooks (Melynn), Bridget, Gavin (Nadia), Emma (Cole) Clare and Sean. He was also the extra special Papa Mike to his great granddaughters Lilyana Marie, Ebba Hagen, and Paisley Jo. Michael was loved by all his nieces and nephews around the globe.

Michael worked construction for many years before landing a wonderful job at American Airlines where he stayed until his retirement in1991. Michael is survived by his wife Ellen, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Proceeded in death by his parents and sisters.

Services

Vigil: January 8, 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Room: Garden Chapel

Berge Papas Smith Chapel of the Angels
40842 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538

510-656-1226
https://www.bergepappassmith.com

Funeral Mass: January 9, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Room: Church

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
41933 Blacow Rd.
Fremont, CA 94538

510-657-4043

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. CandleRest in peace Mike. You will always be remembered fondly by your family in Ireland 🇮🇪. Your smile lit up the room . Your good humour and kindness were a joy to behold. A robin flew in to my kitchen the day I heard you had passed away.
    Condolences to Eileen and all of the family.
    Niamh McLynn.

  2. CandleSincere condolences to Ellen and all Mike’s family. I always enjoyed meeting Mike and Ellen when they visited Ireland and it was a pleasure to visit them on two occasions in California. He will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful and welcoming gentleman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.

  3. CandleMike was one of Ireland’s finest exports.

    Fond memories of chats about American Football tactics, Irish Coffee mixology, Offaly GAA exploits and plenty of quick witted commentary about the Dubs.

    Sincere condolences to Eileen, Michael, Noel, Eileen Anne and PJ. We know you will miss him terribly.

    Pile the brown turf on the fire
    bring the keg in from the barn
    Let the blacksmith sing his rebel song
    And the poacher tell his yarn
    Come close my friends and neighbours
    Fill your glasses to the brim
    As we toast our Offaly heroes
    From the heather, hill and glen

    So long Mike, Rest in peace.

  4. CandleRest in Peace Uncle Mike, I remember the day you left Clonaderig on your travels. You always maintained strong links with your Offaly roots.
    We had the great pleasure of welcoming you and Eileen to Dublin on many occasions and had many adventures together.
    Mary & Brendan
    You were kind generous and
    a proud Irishman.
    Sincere sympathy to Eileen & all the family
    Mary

  5. CandleMy sincere condolences to Eileen,Michael,Noel, Eileen-Anne and Pj on the sad passing of Uncle Mike.

    Mike you were a kindhearted proud Irish man and I loved meeting you and Eileen on your many trips to Ireland.

    May your gentle soul rest in peaceđź’™

    Helaine Pat and Conor

  6. CandleRest in peace uncle Mike . You were always such a great guy who always had a positive outlook on life . Thank you for the great memories and the great laughs we had on your return to Ireland .
    If you’re going to San Francisco be sure to wear flowers in your hair will always remind me of you .
    Eileen & all the family. We’re so sorry for your loss.
    Love always , Ann and Mike xxx

  7. Mr. Gavin, a sweet man who gave the best hugs. I came to know “The Gavins” through your across the street neighbors in Fremont. Your loyal friendship was so precious to the Videtich family. I’ve heard many stories! But my favorite was listening to Joe tell about when the Johnson’s house caught fire. Joe arrived home to see Mike Gavin standing on the Videtich roof with a hose shouting “We’ve got to save Joe’s house!” And he did save it. A true hero for a friend.
    Our family has all of you in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this sad time.

  8. CandleUncle Mike you were kind generous and funny I am so happy to have the lovely memories of all the times you and Eileen came home to Ireland . May you rest in peace Our sincere sympathy to Eileen and all the family at this very sad time Maggie Howard and Family

  9. CandleRest in peace Mike Gavin .Fond memories of you and Ellen in Nancy and Paddy’s in Clonaderig ❤️
    You were always good humoured, fun and caring . My sincere condolences to your family at this sad time Xxx

  10. To Eileen and Family, so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. May his Gentle soul Rest in Peace. I remember you well in San Francisco/ Fremont and meeting you in the Irish Center for an Offaly game.
    Always in a good humor and a very Generous man.

  11. CandleRest in Peace Mike. I remember well your visits to Carrowkeel and Clonaderig many moons ago-there was always such excitement when you came home. My sincere condolences to Eileen and all your family.

  12. Dear Eileen and Family,

    We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dad. It was such a pleasure to meet him, what a smart, funny amazing man he was. We love you, God Bless.

    Joyce and Tom

  13. CandleAr dheis DĂ© go raibh a h’anam dĂ­lis.
    Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
    May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.

    Sleep well.

    • CandleYou have our condolences, and you and your family are in our thoughts. Please accept our deepest condolences for you and your family’s loss. We are thinking of you all and sending our love. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. God bless you all!

      Viviana and Mike Pimentel

  14. Condolences to Eileen and all the Gavin family on the passing of Mike. He was a true Irish gentleman who had great stories to tell about his travels from Ireland to San Francisco. We will miss our visits with him in Fremont. Rest in peace Mike.

  15. CandleOur condolences to you Terry and your family. The kindness and knowledge Mike shared with our family was priceless. We were truly blessed to have a neighbor like you. I remember as a new neighbor in the community our fence fell down from the strong winds and Mr Joe and Mr Gavin told us not to worry and they had a new fence up in no time. That fence was just replaced last November. We pray that God will continue to comfort you during this time. God bless you.

  16. CandleCondolences to the Gavin family. Mr. Gavin will be greatly missed. The world needs more kind souls like the Mr. Gavin. Every time I was around he treated me as family even though I was just a friend of the family.


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