West Chester, PA – The University of Pennsylvania announced the death news of Michael David Gavin, a talented young football player, who, at the age of 20, passed away on October 14, 2023. Despite facing a rare and incurable form of brain cancer, Michael’s spirit, courage, and indomitable will to live touched the hearts of many.
We are devastated to announce the passing of Michael Gavin C’26, who lost his fierce and courageous battle with stage 4 brain cancer on Saturday.
We’ve felt Michael’s presence on the field and will play the rest of this season with him in our hearts.
📰 https://t.co/MZ9FFdQslq pic.twitter.com/suqy2kv2C3
— Penn Football (@PennFB) October 16, 2023
Michael Gavin, born on February 10, 2003, in Bryn Mawr, PA, was the beloved son of Michael J. Gavin and Wendy Holden Gavin. Growing up in West Chester, PA, he made lifelong friends during his time at St. Aloysius School. His journey took a significant turn when he transferred to St. Agnes School, where he not only found treasured friends but also developed a deep passion for football under the guidance of his CYO coaches.
As he continued to pursue his passion, Michael enrolled at the Haverford School, where he not only excelled on the football field but also in wrestling. His dedication to the sport led to him earning Second Team honors in the Inter-AC as an offensive lineman in 2019.
Eager to continue his football journey and play at the Division I level, Michael transferred to The Hun School of Princeton, where his talents truly shone. In 2020, he was recognized as First Team, All Area New Jersey, Defensive Tackle, and received an invitation to the 2021 Under Armour All-America Football Camp Series in Baltimore. His determination was evident as he spent the offseason working on his physical fitness, ultimately playing both offensive and defensive line for an undefeated team.
During his senior year at The Hun School, Michael’s accolades as a defensive tackle included First Team All MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League), First Team Northeast Prep Conference, First Team NJISAA Prep “A,” The Trentonian TD Club Players of the Week, and MaxPreps Defensive Player of the Game.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Michael was a multi-talented individual. He was an accomplished pianist, an Altar Boy at Saint Agnes, and an active member of Boy Scout Troop 153. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 12, earning nine Eagle Palms and 67 merit badges. His involvement in the Order of the Arrow and various leadership roles demonstrated his dedication to scouting.
Michael had a love for the outdoors, which extended to hunting, fishing, and enjoying time at the beach, where he indulged in activities like surfing and jet skiing. He held a Certified Scuba Diver certification and had a boating license for small craft.
Working with his hands brought Michael immense joy, whether it was tinkering with his 1995 F350 alongside his garage family or crafting beautiful pieces through woodworking.
Michael’s dream was to join the University of Pennsylvania and become a dedicated member of the Penn football team. However, in June 2022, he received a devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma, a rare and incurable form of brain cancer. Undeterred by the news, he made the courageous decision to fight the disease as a Penn student-athlete. His family, friends, medical teams, caregivers, and the Penn Community rallied behind him, ensuring he received the best medical care and enabling his active participation in academics and athletics at Penn.
Throughout his battle, Michael’s fighting spirit defied the odds, inspiring those who supported him to be their best selves. He demonstrated that kindness is everywhere, uniting people and fueling his determination to live.
In the 2022-23 academic year, Michael continued to excel, maintaining a 3.95 grade point average while facing the relentless challenges of his illness. His unwavering commitment earned him the Coach Lake Award from the Penn Football Team, an honor bestowed upon a player who embodies leadership, team spirit, and unwavering Penn Pride.
Ray Priore, his coach, spoke highly of Michael’s camaraderie and spirit, stating, “Today the world lost a truly special soul. For the last two years, Michael has fought the fiercest battle anyone could: stage 4 brain cancer. He will forever be one of the toughest and bravest men I have ever met. His legacy will live on in all our hearts, and he will forever be a part of the Penn Football Family.”
Michael Gavin’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, and the entire Penn community mourns the loss of a courageous and determined young man. Discussions are ongoing about how to honor his memory, with the next home game against Brown on October 27 likely to hold special significance.
In these challenging times, Penn is offering both in-person and virtual resources to support students and the community. Student-athletes seeking assistance can reach out to Dr. Liz Nobis, athletics psychologist in the Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics.
Michael Gavin’s journey was marked by resilience, determination, and the unshakeable spirit of a true Quaker. His memory will forever inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Michael David Gavin Obituary
Services:
- Michael’s visitation: Monday, October 23, 2023, from 9:00 am – 10:45 am at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St. West Chester, PA 19380.
- Funeral Mass: 11 am at St. Agnes Church.
- Live streaming will be available Here.
In Memoriam:
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to advance research in neuro-oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Checks may be made out to CHOP Foundation with “In Memory of Michael Gavin” in the memo and mailed to CHOP Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178.
Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA.
The University of Pennsylvania is offering its support through various resources, including Student Health and Counseling’s Let’s Talk program for free and confidential drop-in conversations throughout the week. Penn is a caring and supportive community, standing with you through difficult times, and offering comfort and assistance to those in need.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
