Dr. Michael W. Gawkins of Richmonda, Va.

RICHMOND, VA.>> Dr. Michael W. Gawkins passed away April 8, 2017.

Dr. Gawkins was born in Utica, N.Y., to William Francis and Anne (Horrigan) Gawkins on Sept. 7, 1938.

He spent his formative years in Boston, Mass. Dr. Gawkins graduated from the University of Buffalo with a DDS degree in 1962 and entered active service as an officer in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

On Oct. 27, 1962, he married Frances Ann LoTempio and they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary last year.

After Army service, Dr. Gawkins opened a dental practice in Vernon, N.Y. He practiced for 51 years in Vernon. His final years of practice were with the practice of Dr. Kurt Gormley in Sherrill, N.Y., which he treasured for being both personally and professionally rewarding. Upon retiring in 2013, he and Frances moved to Virginia.

Michael’s greatest loves were his wife Frances and their family, the USA, and his proud Irish Catholic heritage. His many interests included a lifetime study of history, travel, gardening, sailing, golf and attending Boston Red Sox, Buffalo Bills, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish games with his family and most of all, watching his children and grandchildren grow up. Michael leaves Frances, his loving wife of 54 years. He is survived by his sister, Anne Gawkins of New York City and sister-in-law Carol Jean and James Astalos. He is survived by three sons, Colonel (U.S. Army Retired) Patrick M. Gawkins and his wife Diane of Haymarket, Va., Colonel (U.S. Army Retired) Michael J. Gawkins and his wife JoAnn of Wilmington, N.C., William Francis Gawkins and his wife Joan of Mason, Ohio; daughter, Ann Hemp and her husband Jeff of Glen Allen, Va. He is survived by his nine beloved grandchildren: Katie-Ann Roach and her husband Bryan and Andrea Gawkins of North Carolina, U.S. Army Second Lieutenant MaryCatherine Gawkins on active duty and Colleen Gawkins of Virginia, Kaitlin and Michael Gawkins of Ohio and Jacqueline, Ashley, and William Hemp of Virginia. He and Frances were recently thrilled by the birth of their great-granddaughter, Reagan Roach of North Carolina.

Dr. Gawkins was predeceased by his great friend, Dr. Roger Millard, who remained one of the most loved people in his life

Dr. Gawkins was involved in the Vernon Kiwanis, Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football, the 5th District Dental Society, the University of Buffalo Dental Alumni Association, American Legion, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 473 and The Skenandoa Golf Club of Clinton, N.Y. He greatly enjoyed belonging to the Dooley Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Richmond, Va.

Great appreciation and gratitude to his former staff: Karen Grossman, Barbara Kinney, and Michelle Newman. You were especially cherished for your professionalism, caring service, and loyalty. Dr. Gawkins was especially grateful to his many loyal patients, who were much more than patients to him.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Bliley’s – Staples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Road.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Henrico, Va. Interment of remains will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro, N.Y. at a later date.

Contact Mitch Frair, Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front St. Vernon, N.Y. 13476, phone (315) 8292626 or email: mfrair@ twcny.rr.com for arrangements in Upstate New York.