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Peter Harry Gawron, 93,of Silver Creek, NY formerly of Lancaster, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, NY. He was born on May 12,1933 in Lancaster, NY, the son of the late Jan and Anna (Boczniowicz) Gawron and was the youngest of eight siblings.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia (Lester) Gawron, his parents and parents-in-law, (George and Eunice Lester), his siblings, Mary (Raymond) Taylor, Michael Gawron, Stephen Gawron, Rose (Walter) Silig, Emilia (William) Wisniewski, Alice (Julius) Dombrowski, and John Gawron.
Pete is survived by his six children, Brenda (Ronnie) Rollins, Susanne (Joseph) Heist, Peter (Sue) Gawron, Patrick (Danette) Gawron, Timothy Gawron, Michael (Frances) Gawron; his grandchildren, Nicholas Rollins, Lillian (Keith) Wallace, Wesley Heist and Nicole Hemmingway, Joseph (Katelyn) Heist, Bethany (Andrew) Potozniak, Andrew (Kate) Gawron, Julia (Enoch) Jayasundra, Molly (Scott) Bakerink, Anthony (Madeline) Gawron, William (Haley) Gawron, Barry Gawron; his 25 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephews, Paul (Maureen) Taylor, Robert Taylor, Ron Dombrowski, Rich Silig and niece, Carol (David) Lindenmuth.
An avid athlete, Pete lettered in football, basketball, volleyball and golf in high school. He was the football team manager for 3 years and worked setting pins at a local bowling alley between school and the start of sports practices. He also worked as a golf caddy during the summer months. His love of all sports continued throughout his life. In later years he bowled and played volleyball, horseshoes and baseball in recreational leagues. Even after retirement, he won several Golden Age Olympics trophies in horseshoes and golf. Pete made 4 holes in one and golfed regularly through the age of 92.
Along with a few high school buddies, Pete enlisted in the US Marine Corps Immediately following high school graduation. They had many adventures together during basic training and remained friends throughout the years.
Peter arrived in Inchon, Korea as a Private First Class mortarman in March 1952. He was wounded on July 31, 1952, and was awarded The Purple Heart. After recuperation from his wounds, he participated in the major campaign known as the Battle of Bunker Hill from August 9-16, 1952.
Pete married his high school sweetheart, Patricia, on July 25,1953. Together they had six children. As his extended family grew, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren (11) and great-grandchildren (25). Many of his grandchildren have said over the years that they admired him for his simple Christian principles, strength of character and strong work ethic. Upon returning to live in Silver Creek, NY after his wife passed away, Pete grew especially close to several great- grandchildren including Kristina Heist, William and Angie Heist and Jack Heist Leilani and Kamea Wallace. They made him laugh and brought him joy.
Pete was a member of the Buffalo Laborer's Local 210. He also worked at Westinghouse, for Kicak Construction, Erie Tree Services and a few other companies. In addition, during off work hours and weekends, he renovated each home that the family owned.
Throughout their married lives, Pete, Pat and kids loved to spend time visiting and building enduring bonds with the family's Canadian family and "family." After their retirements, Pete and Pat were avid travelers. They RV'd to all continental United States. They cruised in Alaska and visited Hawaii. Pete golfed in every state plus Puerto Rico and the foreign countries they traveled to. Their international travels included Mexico; England, Scotland and Ireland; Czech Republic, Germany, Poland; and some of the Caribbean islands.
As a winter Texan, Peter remained an avid golfer and he and his wife loved to dance two-step. Together with their friends dear Winter Texan friends from Canada and all around the US, they enjoyed many happy-hour sing-alongs.
His family is sure that Pete and Pat are singing and dancing together in Heaven and have fulfilled their pledge "Until we meet again." They are well-loved and remembered by family and friends.
Relatives and friends may call at the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave. Silver Creek, NY on Thursday, October 8th from 4-7 PM, where a funeral service will follow at 7 PM. A graveside service will be held at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Tonawanda, NY on Friday, October 9th at 11AM.
Please share online condolences at www.holeparkerfc.com.