Obituary of Gavin O. Weidel

In honor of Gavin’s military career, I’d like to highlight a few of his accomplishments. Gavin made an immediate impact at his first operational assignment at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Not only did he complete his initial training ahead of his peers, but he was also promoted to Senior Airman six months early in a very competitive boarded process. During this assignment, Gavin facilitated the establishment of the first KC-135 squadron stationed in Afghanistan to directly support Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, while personally exposed to multiple indirect fire attacks and a constant risk of hostile action. His attention to detail earned him several accomplishments, culminating in a Squadron Noncommissioned Officer and Group Support Specialist awards. Gavin volunteered 16 hours for Habitat for Humanity to help low-income families. He also volunteered his time as a Blood Drive representative. He led four events where they collected 80 pints of blood that saved 240 lives. Although his time was short at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Gavin continued to shine. His leadership team trusted him to lead a section of six technicians. His team inspected over 1,300 pieces of survival equipment and 3,000 life-saving items which enabled 2,300 F-16 pilots in Combat Survival and High Risk Isolation courses.

Gavin was a devoted son, and a loving brother. He is predeceased by his brother, Nathan Weidel.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Gavin is survived by his adoring parents, Carmen (Timothy) Bates, Eric (Sarah) Weidel; Loving sisters, Karla (Peter) DiPaul & Vanessa Ortiz. Brothers, Brad (Rachel) Bates, Shane (Alicia) Bates; Sister, Jennifer (Adam) Murphy; Grandparents, Geraldine and Oskar; Aunts and Uncles, Aunt Madeline Tirado, Aunt Roxy (Uncle Dale) Snyder, Christa (Mike) Russell, Leslie Avila, Zenia Ross (Avila) & Jennifer Avila, Carl (Jody) Weidel; Nieces and nephews, Isaiah Shoaf, Lyam Mckinley, Valen Guerin, Gianna DiPaul; Cousins, Cpl Wes Seneca Snyder, Austyn Hawk Snyder, Jade Bates, Julianna Bates, Brooke Bates, Sidney Lombardo, Cooper Bates, Kallin Bates, Isabella Schmidt, Nicole Weidel, and Ashley Weidel.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 at Falvo Funeral Home 1295 Fpt. Nine Mile Pt. Rd. Webster, NY from 2pm-6pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 11am at All Seasons Chapel in White Haven Memorial Park 210 Marsh Road, Perinton, NY, followed by a celebration of life. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc. PO Box, 23581, Rochester, NY 14692 or American Legion Greece Post 468, 344 Dorsey Road, Rochester, NY 14616, in his honor.