Walter J. “Gabe” Gavlick, 86, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, June 05, 2018, at Celtic Healthcare Hospice, Inpatient Unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his loving family.

His loving wife is Shirley (Savage) Gavlick. Together, Walter and Shirley celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary on November 12, 2017.

Born on August 13, 1931, in West Wyoming, Walter was the son of the late George and Mary (Krull) Gavlick.

Raised in Swoyersville, Walter was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1950, where he “wasn’t much on study, but was everybody’s buddy”! After graduating, Walter went on to take machine shop courses at the West Side Vocational School.

Over the years, Walter was employed by Melody Shoe Company, Royer Foundry, Singer Corporation, Encon Corporation in Dallas, and Garland Industries. After retiring, he worked part-time at Keyco Distributors Inc., Hanover Township.

Walter was a faithful Catholic and a lifelong member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of his church, he became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville. Additionally, he was a member of the Swoyersville Kiwanis Club for over 25 years, serving as its Past President for 3 terms.

A man of many enjoyments, he particularly enjoyed hunting, going up to the cabin, and spending time with his family, most especially his beloved grandchildren. If you truly knew Walter, you knew him to be fan of John Wayne, MASH, Hogan’s Heroes, and Westerns.

Walter will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

In addition to his wife, Shirley, Walter is survived by his sons and their families: Ronald Gavlick and his wife, Marie; granddaughter, Bethany Gavlick; and grand-pup, Fenway, all of Hazleton; and Donald Gavlick and his wife, Mary Jo; granddaughter, Melanie Gavlick, and grandson, David Gavlick; and grand-pup, Brandy, all of Swoyersville.

Walter is also survived by his longtime friends, Bernard and Betty Jean Tronkowski and their family, New York; his sister, Louise Billett, Forty Fort; as well as his numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Gavlick Family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Celtic Healthcare Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Walter during his time of need.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Saturday, June 09, 2018, at 10:30 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 08, 2018, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Gavlick family a message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

The family has kindly requested that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions may be made in Walter’s memory to Saint Joseph’s Center, 58 Hemlock Street, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania 18704.