- Date Of Birth: February 2, 1930
- Date Of Death: March 30, 2020
- State: New Jersey
Donald E. Gavin, a longtime Kearny educator/administrator, died peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2020.
He was 90.
Donald was born on February 2, 1930, in Newark, NJ and lived most of his life in Kearny, NJ. He grew up in the first ward and after graduating from Central High School, joined the Marines attained the rank of Sergeant and served during the Korean War in the same squadron as Ted Williams. Upon discharge, in addition to raising a family, he enrolled at Montclair State where he graduated and began what would be a 35-year career in the Kearny School District. As an industrial arts teacher, he was determined to expand those courses that best suited those with mechanical abilities. After obtaining his Master’s Degree from Newark State College (now Kean), he was elevated to Administrator of Vocational Education in the Kearny School System where he was able to realize that passion as he was instrumental in establishing and expanding vocational arts in Kearny Schools including medical and dental assisting, home economics, auto, construction, and many other programs. He coached football at Kearny High School and the Kearny pee wee football program and a coach in the Kearny Little League. Donald had a long-time association with the Inter-County Council on Drug & Alcohol Abuse. He was passionate about opportunity for all and could go nowhere that someone would not recognize him and thank him for changing their life.
Mr. Gavin loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved golf and a former member of Forest Hills Golf Club, a competitive racquetball player, and an avid reader.
Donald was predeceased by his parents, 4 sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lena (nee Devingo) and his children, Donald, Jr. Gavin and his wife, Denise; Robin Gavin, Mary Kurdyla, Susan Gavin, Joseph Gavin, and James Gavin and his wife, Amanda. He was an amazing grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren with another on the way.
