Richard Gaynor, 92, of Dover, Indiana passed away Monday, October 14. Family was #1 for Richard so it was fitting that he was surrounded by those that he loved most at the time of his passing. It was Friday Night Happy Hour and Sunday Family Day at the Gaynor home, as most people in Dover can attest to. The family could be seen gathering every week at Richard’s home to enjoy each other’s company and just have fun. Richard was also generous with giving his time to others. After attending Mass at All Saints on Sunday and then again at St. Louis in Batesville, Richard would visit the nursing homes and those that were homebound in the area. Even if he stayed for only a few minutes, people looked forward to Richard’s visits. He was also famous for calling 41 people every Sunday morning and telling them jokes. One of the favorite jokes remembered by his children was “How do you make a hotdog stand up?” Answer: “Take away his chair”. Richard was a member of the Breakfast Club since 1972. This group made their rounds to the Outpost, Old Brick, Sunman, and the Hobo Hut. It is fitting that in the picture of the Hobo Hut on USRestaraunts.com, one can see Richard through the window, helping his waitress count her tips as he did every time he was there. Richard always kept notes of what he was doing and put those notes into a monthly newsletter that he would send to his family and friends. He also kept a notebook at church and had the people sitting next to him sign it every week. Also, in church, he would shake the hand of every person that walked by him after receiving communion. After retiring from Thatcher Glass, in 1955 Richard created his own company called Dover Electric and began wiring homes in the area. In 1969 he started working for North Dearborn Water. In 1992 his sons, Gary & Kenny bought his company and renamed it Dover Water. Richard was a veteran of the United States Marines and a lifelong member of St. John’s Campus, All Saints Parish.
Richard married Rosemary Holbert on August 25, 1951 and spent every day with her until she passed on June 16, 2005. They had five children who will greatly miss Richard including Linda Hissett of Cincinnati, Debbie Littiken of St. Leon, Mary Jo (Dan) Calhoun of Penn Town, Gary (Beth) Gaynor of Dover, Kenny (Connie) Gaynor of Highland Center. Richard also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren + 1 on the way; sister Dorothy (Bob) James and sister-in-law Ruth Gaynor. He is preceded in death by his parents Hannah & Louis Gaynor, brother Bernie, sisters Mary Gerald and Bertha Lipps, son Richard, son-in-law Dick Hissett, grandsons Scotty Hissett and Jud Calhoun.
Visitation for Richard will be on Friday, October 18, at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 pm; Rosary will begin at 4:00. An additional visitation will be on Saturday, October 19 at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home from 9:00-10:30am. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Campus, All Saints Parish at 11:00, immediately followed by burial. Memorials can be made to New Alsace Legion Post 452, St. John’s Cemetery and Masses. To sign the guest book or leave online condolences please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com