James Francis “Smiley” Gaynor, 83, of Brockton, died peacefully Monday. He was the husband of Shirley E. (Nelson) Gaynor. They were married on March 19, 1949.
Born in Brockton, he was a son of the late James F. and Mary Loretta (McInerney) Gaynor. He was raised in Randolph and attended Stetson High School. He resided in Brockton for over 55 years.
During WWII Mr. Gaynor served with the Navy in the Pacific Theater. He was the youngest crew member of the USS LST 1018, a vessel that earned 5 Battle Stars. He was present at Leyte Gulf, Luzon, and the liberation of the Philippines. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal-3 Bronze Stars, and the Philippine Liberation Medal-2 Bronze Stars.
Following his service he worked at Fore River shipyard in Quincy for several years. He was employed by the Brockton VA Hospital for 30 years until retiring.
He was an ardent sports fan, lifelong New York Yankees fan, and had a special interest in thoroughbred horseracing.
Mr. Gaynor was a member of the US and Massachusetts LST Associations and enjoyed attending reunions and reconnecting with former shipmates.
Smiley will be remembered as being a very well read man with a keen insight into history, biography and current events.
In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by four sons, Jeffrey Gaynor, Mark Gaynor, and James Gaynor III, all of Brockton, Brian Gaynor of South Easton, two daughters, Paula Lacouture of Brockton, and Joanne Lopez of Milton. He was the brother of Michael Gaynor of Canton, Peter Gaynor of Holbrook, Jane Twomey and Shelia Gaynor, both of Chatham, Sara Strickland of East Bridgewater, and the late Gerald Gaynor, Maureen Smith and Nancy MacLellan. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, a granddaughter due July, and many nieces and nephews and their families.
His funeral will be Monday at 8:30 am from the Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Church, North Main St., Randolph. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, North St. Randolph. Visiting hours are Sunday from 4-8pm. Memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 183 Central Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771.
www.waittfuneralhome.com