Thomas Francis Gawin, 81, on Sunday, August 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories of a life well lived.
Born on May 7, 1945, in Camden, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Benjamin Gawin and the late Marion (née Schue) Ellison. In his younger years, Thomas was raised in Williamstown and attended Williamstown High School, where he began building the foundation for the steady, dependable man he would become. After his marriage, he and his wife lived in Gloucester City for one year before settling in Clayton, where they made their home for the past 61 years.
Thomas was married for 62 years to his beloved wife, Eletta Theresa (née Bacon) Gawin. Their marriage was a lasting partnership built on love, loyalty, and shared purpose, and it remained the center of his life. Together they raised three daughters, Cherie L. Gawin (Michael Baronowski, Jr.) of Winslow Township, Andrea T. Huck-Gawin (George Prieston) of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and Eletta Ann Gawin (Matthew Newcomb) of Lindenwold. Proud grandfather of Alexis Tarpy (Joe, III), Kevin Huck, Corey Thomas Huck, and Janelle Huck. Caring brother to Rosie Castroff (Jay), Lou Ellison, and the late John Ellison. Thomas leaves behind many cousins and extended family members who will remember him with love and affection.
Thomas was a hardworking man whose career reflected his strong work ethic and determination. He began his working life at Columbia Records in Pitman, where he spent one year in vinyl mastering. He later joined Gulf Oil Refinery in South Philadelphia, where he started as a laborer and worked his way up to Boiler Operator, earning his Black Seal and dedicating 25 years to the company. Thomas continued his career at Coastal Refinery in Westville, where he served as a Boiler Operator for 15 years. He also worked as a Boiler Operator at Underwood Memorial Hospital, Oak Knoll Elementary School in Williamstown, and West Jersey Hospital in Camden. In every position he held, he was known for his reliability, skill, and pride in doing the job right.
Outside of work, Thomas enjoyed a full and meaningful life. He loved hunting, especially deer and pheasant, and took great satisfaction in restoring old guns. He was a member of Triple Town Talkers, a CB radio club in Franklinville, and he enjoyed going to ATCO Raceway. A devoted history buff, he loved learning about the past and spent time researching the Gawin family history, a pursuit that reflected his deep appreciation for his roots and family legacy. He especially enjoyed sitting on his front porch, watching the world go by, and he found great joy in holiday gatherings surrounded by those he loved.
Thomas was also a man who loved animals, and his dogs held a special place in his heart. More than anything, he cherished time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and he found his greatest happiness in the simple, everyday moments shared with them.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Service will begin at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow at All Saint’s Cemetery, Franklin Township, NJ. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net. Sorrowfully submitted by the family.