GAVLAK

WILLIAM MATTHEW "BILL"

Passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, from complications of his Parkinson's disease. He was born in Windber, PA, the eldest son of John L. and Mary (Sombronski) Gavlak. He was an alumnus of Portage High School and the University of Pittsburgh, where he obtained his degree in chemistry. Bill had a successful 34-year career as a chemist with PPG Industries, Coatings and Resins Division. Always active and energetic, Bill then began working part-time at the East Liberty Home Depot. That part-time job lasted 18 years, ending with the Covid outbreak. Bill was a devout Catholic and member of Christ the King Parish and a former member of the St. Scholastica Worship Site choir. Bill, fondly known as "Battlin Bill," was a sports enthusiast always looking forward to his "Steeler Sundays." He was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching all sports on TV. More than sports, Bill loved his music, especially polkas. His radio was always tuned to the polka station. He played clarinet in a polka band at age 14 and, following retirement, took it up again. He joined The Delmont Concert Band and later was invited to join The East Winds Symphonic Band. The complications of his Parkinson's forced him to give up his clarinet a few years ago. Bill and his wife loved to travel and enjoyed many European and island cruises, as well as an annual winter trip to Florida, where they made numerous lifelong friends. Most of all, he loved his trips to be with his children and grandchildren as well as the many trips to Portage for holiday "picnics at the park" with his family. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Kathleen (Yeasted-Janicik); his loving daughter, Laura C. Gavlak, of Roswell, GA; and his son, William J. Gavlak (Kim), of Dunwoody, GA. He was the proud and loving Grandpap of Alex, Owen, and Ansley Gavlak of Dunwoody, GA. He is also survived by his stepsons, Gregory (Regina) Janicik, Wilmington, DE; Jeffrey (Wendy) Janicik, San Diego, CA; and Douglas (Cindy) Janicik, Tempe, AZ; and step-grandchildren, Mila, Adam, Carson, Margot, Chloe, Graham, and Sawyer Janicik, to whom he was always "Papa Bill." Bill also is survived by his sisters, Susanne (Francis) Kittell, Portage, PA, Elaine (Ralph) Zajac, Portage, PA, and Ethel (Terry) Myers, Hollidaysburg, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Gavlak; his sister-in-law, Dianna Gavlak; and his stepdaughter, Christine (Janicik) Harmon. Bill was the happiest, friendliest, and kindest man. His life reflects the famous quote of Will Rogers: "I never met a man I didn't like." And it would be hard to find a man that didn't like Bill. The family thanks Bill's devoted and loving caregivers during his illness: LuAnn, Pamela, and Gretchen. Visitation is from 2-8 PM, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at DUSTER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 347 E 10th Ave., Tarentum, 724-224-1526. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Christ the King Parish, St. Joseph Church, Pittsburgh, PA. The burial following will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to The St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry in care of Christ the King Parish or The East Winds Symphonic Band, P.O. Box 793, Monroeville, PA 15146.