Brother Gary Gaynor, O.S.F., a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn for 65 years, died peacefully on May 3. Born on June 12, 1942, to the late Helen and Gerard Gaynor, he was the youngest of three sons, including Gerard Jr. and Michael. Brother Gary attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School and St. Francis Preparatory High School, where he played football.

After graduating in 1959, he entered the Franciscan Brothers and completed his novitiate in Wyandanch and Upper Brookville. He professed his vows in January 1962 and was then assigned to the Scholasticate. Brother Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. Francis College in 1964 and began teaching math at St. Francis Preparatory School.

He later taught at St. Anthony’s High School and Bishop Ford High School. After earning a master’s degree in mathematics from Adelphi University, Brother Gary returned to St. Anthony’s, where he served for 23 years. In addition to teaching, he coached the school’s first football team, became the varsity soccer coach, started a summer soccer camp, and was honored several times as CHSAA “Coach of the Year.”

A passionate educator, Brother Gary also developed a study skills course and traveled across the country offering seminars to high school teachers on how to teach study skills. In 1997, he joined the faculty of St. Francis College, where he taught mathematics until his retirement.

Brother Gary is survived by his extended family and his Franciscan Brothers. A wake was held on May 6 at Our Lady of Angels Friary Chapel, and the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there on May 7. Interment followed at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury.