After a recent cancer diagnosis, Michael Gaynor, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 15. Gaynor was tragically diagnosed with stage 4 urothelial carcinoma in June of 2024 and began hospice treatment on July 30, 2024. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.
Gaynor was a graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, St. Joseph’s University and Villanova University. He is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards for his work in college admissions, including the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling’s Human Relations Award and the Council of International Schools’ Mayberry Award.
Gaynor served the Villanova community for 42 years, with 24 of those years in his role as Executive Director. During his time at Villanova, he has grown what was formerly known as a regional school into a prestigious national university. During his time at Villanova, Gaynor touched the lives of the entire Villanova community. Whether or not one knew him personally, he undoubtedly had an impact on every member of the student body. He shaped each class that attended Villanova from the Class of 1987 through the incoming Class of 2028.
Inspired by his own family, as he has twin sons born with cerebral palsy, Gaynor also played a significant role in promoting disability advocacy on campus. Gaynor has assisted countless families pursuing opportunities for their children with special needs and making Villanova an accessible campus for those individuals.
Gaynor is remembered by his kind spirit and incredible humility. In an email to the Villanova community, University President, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. mourned his passing.
“Michael’s passing is a tremendous loss for Villanova, and I know I speak for our entire community in saying we were blessed to have known him,” Fr. Peter said. “He will be remembered as a thoughtful, compassionate and respected colleague who always went above and beyond. I believe that God has a way of interceding in our lives to allow us to use our gifts to best serve the people around us, and Michael was a perfect example of that. I could not be more grateful for his far-reaching impact on the Villanova community.”
Villanova communication professor Michael Bradley described his friendship with Gaynor, emphasizing his profound impact on the Villanova community.
“I had the opportunity to know Michael for several years as a friend, colleague and fellow father and was extremely fortunate to have had him in my life,” Bradley said. “His commitment to Villanova was strong, and he helped shape the lives of many students through his desire to help provide them with the opportunity to become Wildcats. Michael’s love and care for his family members were deep and inspirational, and his passing affords the Villanova community the chance to come together to support them. He will be greatly missed.”
With Gaynor’s passing, his memory lives on through his wife Debbie and his children Nick, Christian and Anna. Gaynor leaves behind his grown twin sons born with cerebral palsy, who require full-time care. To assist the Gaynor family during this difficult time, the family’s friends have created the Friends of Michael Gaynor organization. If you are interested in ways to support the Gaynors, please email [email protected], or donate to their GoFundMe page linked here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/show-your-love-for-michael-gaynor-and-his-family
