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Obituaries » Gerard (Rod) J. Gaynor Jr

Gerard (Rod) J. Gaynor Jr

October 28, 1942 - August 29, 2022

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Gerard (Rod) J. Gaynor Jr of Waterford, formerly of New London passed away peacefully at home August 29, 2022.

 

Rod was born on October 28th, 1942, to the late Gerard & Gemma (Dellaporta) Gaynor Sr.

 

Rod attended Saint Joseph’s School and attended New London High School where he played basketball, football and was also part of the track team. After high school he attended Mitchell College.

 

Rod was a police officer for the City of New London. During his 37-year career he started the first crime prevention program. He was instrumental in founding NLPD Scuba Team and ended his career as a Detective. Rod worked whole heartedly and always showed compassion. He received many letters of commendation and recognition from the public, city, department and other agencies over the years for his dedication, professionalism, diligent performance, modesty and willingness to help others. Rod was the first officer selected to receive the VFW police officer of the year award in 1971.

 

After retirement, Rod was elected to serve the citizens as a city councilor eventually becoming the Mayor of the City of New London. Rod moved closer to his children in Waterford and was there elected to the RTM for several years. Rod additionally was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the New London Lodge of Elks.

 

Rod was the Deacon of Saint Joseph’s Church. He was ordained as a permanent Deacon in the church in 1981, which was a very important part of his life. He gave to others in many ways. Over the years Rod and his family welcomed Monsignor Paul St. Onge into their home as a part of the family.

 

Rod was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He married Carole (Stepp) on August 29, 1964, recently celebrating 58 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children: Maureen (David) Annibalini, Teresa (George) Frankewicz, Christine Sherman, and his son Gerard (Rod) Gaynor III and his wife Dana Adams.

 

He was blessed with his grandchildren, which he called his “Special Angels”. Bailey (Cody), Danielle, George, William, Alyssa, Gemma, Cole, Quinn, Caden and Jace. He was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Hayden, CJ and Kashton.

 

He is also survived by his sister Marianna McGuirk, sisters-in-law Harriet Gaynor, Barbara Petrizzi, Gerri Duggan, many nieces and nephews and an abundance of close friends.

 

Rod was predeceased by his parents, brother Daniel Gaynor, brother-in-law Brendan McGuirk and grandson Gage Gaynor.

 

Rod was one of a kind, a pillar to society, a man of great faith who gave all of himself to others. His kind and gentle soul will be missed most by his loving family whom he adored and was incredibly proud of.

 

Calling hours will be held Friday, September 2nd from 5-8pm at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave in New London. The funeral, including a Deacon’s Mass will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church of New London on Saturday September 3rd at 10am, with a one hour viewing in the church preceding the mass, followed by a Christian burial at Saint Mary’s cemetery.

 

Donations in memory of Mr. Gaynor can be made to St. Joseph’s Church, Alzheimer’s Association and/or American Heart Association.

 

 



     

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