Patrick J. Gilvary
March 14, 1935 — October 27, 2015
Patrick Joseph "Joe" Gilvary died on Oct. 27, 2015, at his home in Avoca.
Born in Jenkins Township on March 14, 1935, he grew up in Pittston and Avoca. The son of the late Joseph Aloysius and Mary Daniel (Gilroy) Gilvary, he attended schools in Pittston and Avoca before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He traveled to several places while serving: New York, Massachusetts, Wyoming, Alabama and finally Iceland, where he spent almost a year and a half.
After his service he worked as a diesel machinist for the Erie, Lehigh Valley and Conrail railroads, first in New Jersey and later in Northeast Pennsylvania.
In 1960, he married Sarah Juan Nadine (Slattery) Gilvary, who preceded him in death in 2010. Their youngest daughter, Sarajuan Gilvary, also preceded him in death in 2014.
Surviving are their other children: Joseph A. Gilvary, Huntingtown, Maryland, E. Gilvary, New York City, Mary Clare Gilvary (husband Brooke), Green Township, New Jersey, Eileen Bailey (husband Tim), Shelton, Washington, Pauline Thomas (husband Michael), Glen Gardner, New Jersey, and Patrick J. Gilvary Jr., Avoca. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was an avid fan of Notre Dame sports, especially the football team. He loved to dance. In retirement, he became a regular at the Pittston Senior Center, where he enjoyed participating in their plays and shows.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Queen of the Apostles Church. Family and friends may call from 9 a.m. to the time of service. His burial will take place on a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations go to the Avoca Dupont Little League.
Kniffen O'Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Avoca, is in charge of arrangements.