Engineman Second Class

United States Navy

Robert William Gaynor was born on August 25, 1939, in Boston, Mass.  He enlisted in th4e Navy on June 25, 1957, and volunteered for submarine duty.  Following recruit training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Md., he was enrolled as a student in the Submarine School at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.

His first assignment in submarines came in October, 1957, when he reported to the U.S.S. Piper (SS 409) as a member of her crew.  Robert was then assigned to the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Sea Dragon (SSN 584) and it was while serving in this command that he became qualified as a submariner.  He was awarded his silver dolphins on January 27, 1960.

Robert has been awarded the Navy’s Good Conduct Medal, a letter of commendation from the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Sea Dragon, and another letter of commendation from the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593), during his naval service.

On February 27, 1961, Robert was assigned to the U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Anita E. Gaynor and three children, Carolyn, Mark, and Robert.  He also leaves his widowed mother, Mrs. Dorothy L. Gaynor; brother, Paul of Keyport, N.J.; and another brother, Joseph, serving in the U.S. Navy; a twin sister, Mrs. Peter Rushing of Englishtown, N.J.; and another sister, Mrs. Burt Buetterfield of Lillian, Ala.