The Obituary printed in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette for Jack Gavin, although accurate, falls short of the Jack known by many. Jack was known by different people in different capacities and some of the other things he was proud of are not mentioned there.
Jack was an Irishman to the core and an Irish Republican foremost. He was a driving force behind many Irish related projects such as the Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee who named him Grand Marshal in 1996.
He was well known and respected in Ireland where he traveled extensively and often. His desire to see a united Ireland inspired other Irish-Americans with a fire that will burn "until that certain Day". He will be missed by many that were influenced by his determination, his love for Ireland and freedom as well as his ability to organize other dedicated people. In the words of his favorite song, "I've read of our heroes and wanted the same, to play up my part in the patriot game". Jack will always be one of those heroes to all who love freedom.
I hope others will write here and add relative stories and dates. Because Jack Gavin should be remembered for the important things he accomplished and what he was; the consummate Irishman.Terry Griffith (Pittsburgh, PA )
October 13, 2002
As noted above, there is much more to remember about "Jack" for the very many friends he had. To me, Jack was "Mr. Pittsburgh Irish".
Jack was active in the Clan Na Gael, Knights of Equity, AOH, IAUC, the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and the Irish Society for Education and Charity to name a few.
Jack was Chairman for decades of the "Children of Northern Ireland" Crusade.
He was Editor of "The Harp", a Knights of Equity newsletter and Knights of Equity's "Irishman of the Year" in 1979. He was also Past Worthy Sir Knight and Past Worthy Supreme Sir Knight (national).
Jack was one of the founding members of Clan Na Gael in Pittsburgh and, along with Herman Nolan (RIP), they were the main "Chefs" at all Clan Na Gae dances. Everyone remembers his Kielbasi and Kraut.
Jack's family are from County Galway, where there are still many cousins and he was a main supporter of Paddy Doherty's "Pittsburgh House" in Derry.
My personal rememberances are many but the best were the "Road Trips" to the Catskills, New York and Philadelphia. Especially the St. Patrick's Day Parade Weekend in New York City where our banner poles are probably still lodged in a Chinese Restaurant's doorway.
"Jack" will be greatly missed by his many friends in Pittsburgh. I hope I can be counted as one.
Mike Cribbins (Pittsburgh, PA )
October 13, 2002
LaVerda and Anna,
You both and all of Jack's Family have my deepest sympathy at this dark time in your lives. LaVerda we go back so many years together, all of us. We have gone through good times, happy times, silly times and some bad times. Jack and you were a part of my life for a long time and he will be missed. You and Anna and Jack are in my my prayers.
Pat Keegan (Allison Park, PA )
October 13, 2002
Dear Laverda, Anna & Family,
Please except our deepest condolences for your loss. I first met Jack at the K of E and from that time on we turned out to be best of friends. I remember the time when we went to Washington, D.C. to protest when Margrat Thacher was there to protest our congress. I'll never forget it. Lots of things were going on. Jack did inspire many people and he was a good organizer. We would have alot of fun at the St. Paddy's Day Parade. Those were the days, huh? Jack would call HIMSELF, Bernie Cusick & Myself the "Old Triangle." And that we are Jack. Many thanks to Jack for so many fond memories. Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things. You will be very much missed friend.
Tom Donnelly Sr. Tom & Shirley Donnelly Sr. & Family (Carrick, PA )
October 14, 2002
Dear Laverda, Anna and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. If there is anything I can do to help during this trying time, please let me know. Jack was truly a good friend to me and he will be sadly missed. Parade days will never be the same. I first met Jack in 1972 when I was inducted into the KOE and since then, he always made time for my personal or business calls. Over the years, we attended many of the same social functions which were nothing less than memorable. I know he was proud of his Irish heritage and his growing family. Conversations about children and grandchildren took over most of our discussions while dirving to the Parade every year. There surely will never be another guy like him.
Gene Boyle (Mars, PA )
October 14, 2002
Lament
for Jack Gavin
Word
has come to our ears this evening;
from a friend or a telephone line.
Word
has come, and our hearts are heavy;
they tell me Jack Gavin is dead.
Raised
on a hill, in the North of Pittsburgh,
ran wild even after he Wed.
Born
with a gleam in his eye that stirred us all,
they tell me Jake Gavin is dead.
He
died in the night, with the Banshee wailin’,
as his family surrounded his bed.
In
pubs or in office, the men they hush their voices
when they hear that Jack
Gavin is dead.
No
stranger to words, he spoke loud and true.
No stranger to the glass in his
hand.
No stranger to "the troubles", he fought all his life.
Yet
they tell me Jack Gavin is dead.
The
Irish have lost their fine Fenian warrior.
No longer he’ll be leading our parade;
or
his touch be felt on the far shores of Ulster,
For Alas! Jack Gavin is dead.
