William Winfield Gordon

William Winfield Gordon, 98, Lake Asbury, FL passed away peacefully on December 12, 2021. He was born to William and Loretta Gordon on June 21, 1923 in Brooklyn, New York. In 1944 he graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and later earned a master’s degree from NYU. He served as U.S. naval officer and is a World War II veteran. His tours included the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He was instrumental in the founding of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and later was a regional administrator for the U.S. Dept. of Labor. He married Anne V. Goodwin in 1961 and they raised six children. William was an FSU and Mets fan, fisherman and train enthusiast. He enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra, reading history and woodworking. He will be remembered for his strong Catholic faith, intelligence, love of animals, generosity and tremendous family loyalty. William is preceded in death by his loving wife Anne, two of his children, William Gordon and Patricia Gordon. He is survived by his children, Jill (Steve) Lefave, Thomas Gordon, Anne (Paul Safer) Schiefer, Michael (Julie) Gordon; daughter in law, Bobbie Anding; grandchildren, Colton, Patrick, Cassidy, William and Michael; and former son in law, Bob Schiefer. There will be a funeral mass at St Matthews Catholic Church and interment will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery. We would like to thank the compassionate staff of Community Hospice as well as all of his thoughtful caregivers. In lieu of flowers, please donate in William’s honor to Operation Catnip at  https://ocgainesville.org/donate Operation Catnip of Gainesville, FL •• P.O. Box 141023 Gainesville, FL 32614•• (352) 380-0940