John Thomas McGavack, 82, of Leonia, NJ, died on Friday, September 12, 1975 at Englewood Hospital. He was born in Waterford, VA and received his A.B. degree in 1913 from Hamden-Sydney College. John was a second lieutenant in the chemical warfare branch of the Army during World War I. In 1920, he received his Ph.D. from John Hopkins University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. John began his 38-year association with U.S. Rubber in 1920. During his professional career, 49 patents were issued in his name, most of which were related to latex rubber. He was recognized as one of the top experts on rubber in the world, and was ranked No. 14 in a list of 100 scientific contributors to the world's rubber literature. For many years before and after his retirement in 1958, he served as chairman of the bibliography committee of the Division of Rubber Chemistry for the American Chemical Society. In addition to his professional commitments, he was active in local school, town and church affairs. John served as a member of the Leonia Board of Education for 12 years and was board president for 4 years. He was an elder and trustee of the Presbyterian Church in Leonia. Beloved husband of Ann Elizabeth (nee Hill) McGavack. Devoted father of Virginia Hilda Leslie of Leonia and John McGavack Jr. of Madison, CT. Loving grandfather of 4 grandchildren. Cherished great-grandfather of 3 great-grandchildren. Arrangements were entrusted by Burrows-Mondie Funeral Home, 129 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631. No visitation was offered. Memorial services were officiated on Sunday, September 14, 1975 at 2 PM in the Presbyterian Church, 181 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605. Interment followed at Lovettsville Union Cemetery. The family requests memorial donations be made to Hamden-Sydney Scholarship Fund, 172 Via Sacra, Hampden Sydney, VA 23943.