Philip A. Gonyar

WATERVILLE – Philip A. Gonyar of Waterville died Jan. 28, 2026. The son of the late George A. and Ida Doucette Gonyar. He was raised in Orono and graduated from Orono High School and the University of Maine in Orono with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education.

From a young age, Gonyar wanted a career in education. As a result, he spent 33 years working in the school departments in Bucksport, Bangor, and Waterville. He taught many excellent students including two former governors of the State of Maine- John McKernan and John Baldacci.

Gonyar was a strong supporter of teacher unionism and served in many capacities including as president of local associations in Bucksport and Bangor. At the state level he served as president of the Maine Teachers Association (now the Maine Education Association) and as president of the Maine Education Association Retired. At the national level he was a member of the National Education Association Board of Directors and as a member and chair of the Joint Committee of the National Education Association and the American Library Association.

In other civic activities Gonyar served seven years on the Waterville Board of Education, was twice chair of the Board of Catholic Charities Maine, was a member and chair of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland School Board and was an active member and chair of the Kotlas-Waterville Area Sister City Connection.

Phil is survived by his partner, Carl D. Daiker of Waterville with whom were spent many wonderful years enjoying life together and experiencing the joys of visiting all seven of the world’s continents. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sharon Gonyar; nieces and nephews and their spouses Karen and Jeffrey Malnick, Lynn Comeau, Brenda and Gary Bambara, Kevin and Kathleen Comeau, Kenneth and Lisa Comeau, Laura and Ken Speranza, Deborah and Robert Flint, Gary and Nonnie Gonyar, Robert and Alice Gonyar, David Gonyar, Brian Gonyar, and Joan Gay; also surviving are several grand and great-grandnieces and nephews and many cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, George J. Gonyar, sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine G. and Anthony Comeau; and many aunts and uncles.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church at 116 Silver St. in Waterville. A reception/celebration of life will immediately follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers those who wish may contribute in his name to the

Maine Education Association Retired

35 Community Drive

Augusta, ME 04330