Lawrence E. Gaynor

     Lawrence E. " Larry"  Gaynor, 80 of Lorain died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday evening, October 16, 2008.

     Mr. Gaynor was born in Salem, Mass. on February 6, 1928, the son of the late Alphonsus A. and Mary E (Toomey) Gaynor.  In 1945, he graduated from Salem High School, Salem, Mass. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II attaining the rank of seaman first class.

     He moved to Lorain in 1947, to work at US Steel and was a member of Local 1104. He retired as a pipefitter, following 38 years service. After retiring he worked for Beckett Gas in Elyria.

     Mr. Gaynor was a 50 year member of the First United Methodist Church in Lorain where he was a  Sunday School teacher, usher, trustee, lay speaker and Liturgist, served on the Pastor search committee and the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. After a church merger, he continued to worship at the former Delaware Avenue United Methodist Church and most recently at Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church Lorain, Ohio.

     He volunteered at TrueNorth Cultural Arts at  French Creek Nature Center. He enjoyed working with his hands,  creating beautiful crafts, especially string art. His artwork was exhibited at Lorain Senior Center and Lorain Public Library,  where he had the opportunity to teach children string art.

     Mr. Gaynor was an avid fisherman, loved to travel, spend time with his family, doing puzzles, games, playing cards and was always willing to help anyone.

     He is survived by twin daughters Sarah (Ed) Powers of Colorado Springs, Sandra (Joseph) Agnello of Macomb, MI, son L. Edward (Jennifer) Gaynor, Jr. of Lorain, grandchildren Michael Neely, Michelle Habel, Suzanne Payne, Krissy Robinson, Tiffany Martin, Matthew Powers, Joseph Agnello II, John Agnello, Megan Gaynor, Jaclyn Gaynor, Brian Gaynor, 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his first wife, Clara (nee Murillo) Gaynor in 1953, his second wife Dorene (nee Wallace) Gaynor in 2006, brothers Buddy Gaynor, Owen Gaynor and sisters Molly DeMille, Madeline Aprile, Helen Wojick and Pat Monaco.

     Friends may call Monday, October 20, 2008 from  2-4 & 7-9 pm at Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain.

     Funeral Services will be in the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 400 W. Sixth Street, Lorain, at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 with Rev. Greg Sellers, pastor of the Lorain Lighthouse United Methodist Church, officiating.

     Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon with full military honors provided jointly by American Legion Post 30 and the VFW Post 451. 

     The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to TrueNorth Cultural Arts at French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio  44054.
 

CONDOLENCES

From:        Jean Cook
Relation:    Friend

To Larry Gaynor's Family,

My deepest sympathy to all of you.  Larry and I had some wonderful chats.  He will also be constantly remembered when I look at the Rose Window and Christmas tree he made and gave to me. I'm sure his reunion with Dorene was joyous.  God Bless you.

Sincerely,

Jean Cook
 

From:        Robert Skerkavich
Relation:    friend

Having only met Mr.Gaynor a couple of times,It personally saddens me I could'nt have had more of an opportunity to be around such a great human being.I started working out of high school at 18 in 1983,when I met his son ED.Ed quickly took me under his wing and not only taught me things about work,but about life.We remain friends today.So,to me,looking at the way he raised his children,strong in faith,family,and friends is to me the true measure of this man.He will so dearly be missed by many.So as the Lord touches him,he through his son,has touched me.May God Bless You!