Father James Patrick Gavin, O.F.M. Cap.

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Father James Patrick Gavin, O.F.M. Cap., who served as a missionary in Guam and Japan, and was pastor of St. John the Baptist parish in Manhattan, died April 11 at St. Clare’s Friary in Yonkers. He was 81.

Father Gavin was pastor of St. John the Baptist, Manhattan, 1990-1991, and was parochial vicar, 2002-2008. He was a preacher and retreat master for 11 years, until 2002, while he was in residence in Yonkers, Garrison and White Plains.

He served as a missionary in Guam for 19 years ending in 1985. His duties included serving as a pastor for six years, and as a rector and teacher at a minor seminary for four years.
In Guam, he also served as superior, second councilor and first councilor, and vice provincial.

Father Gavin was parochial vicar at Sacred Heart, Yonkers, 1988-1990. He also served as parochial vicar in Brooklyn and Connecticut, and as a hospital chaplain on Long Island. He continued his preaching ministry while residing at Good Shepherd Friary, Manhattan, 2011-2016.

Born in Yonkers, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in 1957 and made final vows in 1961. He was ordained in 1965. He held a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Anthony’s Friary in Hudson, N.H., and he completed his theological studies at the Capuchin Theological Seminary in Garrison.

He is survived by his brothers, John, William, Thomas and Francis, and his sisters, Catherine Gavin-Leibowitz, Mary Gavin-Spellman and Theresa Gavin-Logue.

A Memorial Mass will be planned for a later date.

Father James Patrick Gavin, O.F.M. Cap.