Stanley Francis Gawel, of Lavallette, NJ, passed away on November 27, 2018, after a battle with cancer. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, December 1, at 9:00am, at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 706 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am, at the Parish of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Rt. 35 North, Lavallette. Born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, Stan graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He resided in both Colonia and Middletown before moving to his summer home full-time in Lavallette. Stan was employed for over 30 years at AT&T/Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ and retired in 1992. Upon retirement, Stan and his wife Sheila went on to own Washboard Laundromat in Lavallette and GalaxSea Cruises & Travel in Toms River. During that time, Stan traveled extensively with Sheila. Stan was never happier than spending time and taking pictures of his grandchildren. There was never a bad fishing day as Stan enjoyed many days on the water as President of the Point Pleasant Fishing Club. Most days, Stan could be found on his computer or watching Fox News, the only news he thought was fair and balanced. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lavallette Yacht Club. Stan is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sheila (Gallagher) Gawel of Lavallette; his children Nanci and Chris Lopes of Ocean, NJ; Susan and Todd Gasior of Skillman, NJ; Bob and Julia Gawel of La Jolla, CA; Kerry and Rick Penque of Summit, NJ; and Kathleen and Christopher Kurth of Wall, NJ. His cherished grandchildren Brian, Kristen and Michael Lopes, Gillian Gasior, Hayden and Finn Gawel, Kathryn, Grace and Brynn Penque, Colin, Brady and Reese Kurth. Stan was predeceased by his brothers Henry and Boley Gawel and sister Mary Gawel. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Barbara Gawel and Betty Griffin and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations are accepted to stjude.org. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.