Gary Edward Travinski Sr., 66, a lifelong resident of Larksville, passed into eternal life unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2020, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

His loving and adoring wife is Frances A. “Fran” Koscielski Travinski. Together, Gary and Fran celebrated their 42^nd wedding anniversary on May 27^th.

Born on May 06, 1954, in Larksville, Gary was one of two children born to the late Edward P. “Quig” Travinski and Rallein R. Rish Travinski.

Gary was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, Class of 1972. He went on to further his education at Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, where, in 1976, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and History.  He continued his education at Temple University and Penn State University.

A United States Army veteran, Gary honorably served his country for 30+ years. He began his service in Special Operations as an Airborne Ranger with the 3^rd Battalion, 75^th Infantry, and at the conclusion of his active service, he joined the Army Reserves. On December 18, 1990, he was called to active service during Operation Desert Storm where he served in Prisoner of War Operations, and at the conclusion of this time of active service, he was released to the Army Reserves, serving with the 424^th Military Police Detachment, Ashley, until his retirement. Throughout his years in the Army and Army Reserves, he was the recipient of countless awards and decorations, merits of honor, and accolades including Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Service Cross, Air Assault and Master Parachutist Badges.

Prior to his retirement, Gary owned and operated GTA, a consulting engineering firm, 94 Boston Hill Rd, Larksville.

A devout Catholic, Gary was a member of Saint John the Baptist Church, Larksville. Prior to its closing, he was a longtime member of the former Saint Anthony’s Church, Larksville.

Gary served on the board of the Larksville Planning Commission, and, in his earlier years, served as a police officer and as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Larksville Fire and Rescue. He also served in his earlier years as the head football coach of the Larksville Greenwaves Mini Football Team, leading the team to many championships.

As a young boy, Gary proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout. During his time with the Scouts, his proficiency in archery, led him to be the Pennsylvania State Archery Champion in 1965.

A proud veteran, Gary was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Additionally, he also was a member the Military Officers Association of America, the American Military Engineers Association, and the USO.  He was also proud supporter of the 2^nd amendment, carried a CCO and held membership with the National Rifle Association.

A man of many enjoyments, Gary especially enjoyed doing restoration and modification (restomod) work on vehicles with his son, Gary Jr. He was most proud of the work he and his son completed on their award-winning vehicles including his show car ready 65’ AC Shelby Cobra with a 427ci “Cammer” motor; his 800RWHP 04’ Supercharged Mercury Marauder; and his air-water intercooled turbo diesel 04’ Hummer H1.

Above all, Gary will be best remembered as a loving and supportive husband and father; as a man of great faith in God; and as a man who loyally served his beloved country. His presence will be missed beyond measure.

In addition to his parents, Edward and Rallein Travinski, Gary was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stanley and Josephine Koscielski; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Drue Paden.

In addition to his devoted wife, Fran, Gary is survived by his beloved son, Gary Edward Travinski Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, Larksville.  He will also be missed by his sister, Debbie Kerrigan and her husband, Daniel, Florida; his sister-in-law, Nancy Koscielski Paden, Scranton; as well as his nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend Gary’s viewing which will be held on Friday, October 23, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 9:00 AM in Saint John the Baptist Church, 126 Nesbitt Street, Larksville. Family and Friends may gather directly at the church on Saturday morning as there will be no procession from the funeral home.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Carverton section of Kingston Township, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Those attending the viewing and/or funeral Mass are required to wear a facial covering and observe social distancing.

For additional information or to send the Travinski Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or to Saint John the Baptist Church, 126 Nesbitt Street, Larksville, Pennsylvania 18704.