Obituary of Gavin M. Mosher

Gavin M. Mosher, 15, of Clinton, NY, passed away on July 24, 2026, with his loving family by his side after a courageous 13-month battle with lymphoblastic lymphoma. Born in New Hartford, New York, on November 16, 2010, he was the cherished son of Andrew D. Mosher and Ashley M. Grabeldinger Mosher. A sophomore at Clinton Senior High School, Gavin was a beloved student, classmate, and friend. He was an exceptional student with a natural talent for mathematics and a strong commitment to academics, often making honor roll. Beyond the classroom, Gavin excelled as an athlete, proudly wearing jersey number 5 for Clinton Comets Youth Hockey throughout his 10 years in the program, from mites through 16U.

Gavin was a proud and devoted big brother. From the moment his sister Camryn entered his life, he knew he had found a lifelong sidekick and best friend. The two were inseparable, always looking out for one another and sharing countless adventures together. Gavin loved Cam fiercely and embraced his role as her protector.

As a son, Gavin brought immense joy to his parents. They took great pride in the kind, loyal, and caring young man he became. They loved watching him play the sport he was so passionate about and admired his unwavering commitment to his teammates. Most of all, they were inspired by his courageousness, resilience, and his stubborn determination throughout his 13 month battle. Gavin was chosen to participate in a groundbreaking CAR-T Cell Clinical Trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC, where he spent over a month. He was actually the 1st patient at MSK to receive this pioneering clinical trial therapy. Our brave guy was literally a trailblazer, paving the way for other children in the future. While the treatment did not bring the outcome he fought for, his incredible courage provided invaluable medical research that brings the world one step closer to a cure for this rare cancer.

Gavin had a great sense of humor; he had remarkably quick wit and a sly smile that snuck up on you quickly. He delivered jokes with perfect timing, often catching people off guard and leaving them laughing. He loved a good prank and shared plenty of laughs and mischief with his friends over the years. The stories of Gavin’s humor, antics, and unforgettable one-liners will live on through everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Gavin was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have: loyal, kind, and always in your corner. In his 15 years, he built countless meaningful friendships and formed connections wherever he went. While many kids have a small circle of close friends, Gavin had an entire crew. Whether they were riding bikes around town, or hanging out together at friends’ houses, Gavin treasured every moment spent with his friends. The bonds he created and the memories he shared will live on in the many people who are fortunate enough to have called him a friend.

Hockey was more than a sport to Gavin; it was a way of life. He spent many hours in his back yard shooting pucks to perfect his shot. The rink was his second home, and he loved everything about the game, from the camaraderie of his teammates to the excitement of competition. A tenacious and scrappy player, Gavin wore number 5 with pride and earned a reputation as someone opponents always had to watch. His fortitude, grit and willingness to do whatever had to be done, along with his resilience, work ethic, and drive to win, made him an invaluable teammate and a respected competitor.

Some of Gavin’s favorite memories came from hockey tournaments. Traveling with teammates, playing chico in the hotel hallways, pulling off harmless pranks, and competing together created memories he cherished. For Gavin, hockey was about far more than the games themselves; it was about the friendships, laughter, and unforgettable experiences that came with them.

When Gavin was not on the ice, he was often chasing his next adventure on a dirt bike or mountain bike. Fearless by nature, he was building jumps in his backyard and perfecting his wheelies with the same determination and energy that defined every aspect of his life. He loved being outdoors all year round, whether fishing in Old Forge, waterskiing in Miami or snowboarding at Woods Valley.

Gavin never backed down to any odds. It did not matter if it meant he rushed into the corner to battle a kid twice his size, rode his bike over jumps that were not mom-approved, or faced this unimaginable diagnosis. Gavin was all heart and he never let anything define him other than fearlessness. “Gavin Strong” is how he will be remembered. His mantra was “Win Every Battle”.

Gavin had really looked forward to using the camper he received through Make-A-Wish, a gift for which he was deeply grateful. Although Gavin did not get to take it to a campground, he was able to have it set up at Golisano Upstate Hospital, where he was able to share time with his family and friends. Those moments brought Gavin tremendous joy.

Gavin is survived by his loving parents, Andrew and Ashley Mosher; his beloved sister, Camryn Mosher; his grandparents, Clark and Cathy Mosher, and Ken and Cyndy Grabeldinger; his aunts and uncles, Lexy and Chris Spring, Megan and Kenneth Maurer, Lyza Mosher, Ken Grabeldinger Jr. and Chloe, Brett and Megan Grabeldinger, and Chase Mosher and Jane; his cousins, Chloe Grabeldinger, Caden Mosher, Mason and Wyatt Maurer, Ronan and Ryder Mosher, Lukas and Cooper Spring, Rosalie and Raelyn Grabeldinger; his devoted labrador retriever Gunner; his cherished hockey family; and countless friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday July 31, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Clinton Arena, 36 Kirkland Ave, Clinton, NY. Friends are invited to honor Gavin by wearing their “Gavin Gear” (Win Each Battle) Jersey/shirt or their favorite hockey jersey.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clinton, following the mass.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caretakers who walked alongside Gavin throughout his journey. Their kindness and compassion never went unnoticed, especially Dr. Curran and the PICU nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and his nurses on 11-G at Golisano Upstate University Hospital. They also offer their deepest thanks to the “community” of the people who selflessly surrounded them with prayers, meals and support throughout this 13-month journey.

Live like Gavin: be fearless, be loyal, make people laugh, find joy, and never miss an opportunity to create a memory with the people you love. Face challenges with courage, stand by your friends, and always make time for fun. Above all, live with the strength, heart, and determination that defined Gavin every day. Be Gavin Strong and win each battle.

Forever remembered as one of the good ones. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gavin Mosher Memorial Scholarship Fund, established to honor Gavin’s legacy and support future students and athletes who embody the courage, determination, kindness, and spirit that defined his life. Additional information regarding donations will be provided by the family.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service.