Obituary of Jerry John Gazarek

Gazarek: John Jerry

A resident of Corunna, Jerry John Gazarek passed away peacefully at the Bluewater Health Centre Sarnia on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the age of 83.

Jerry was born and raised in Chatham, the son of the late Rudolf and Maria Gazarek (nee Bendik). Beloved husband of 60 years to Frances Gazarek (nee Studnicka).

Survived by a brother Rudy Paul Gazarek and wife Cherie, a sister Dianne Marie Schwarz and husband William (Bill). Jerry and Bill were best and lifelong friends since High School. Will also be missed by brother-in-law Jerry Studnicka (Anna), sister-in-law Helen and sister-in-law Vera (late Joe) Studnicka and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.

Jerry graduated from the Western Ontario Institute of Technology and worked as a manager at Ford Motor Company in Windsor and other manufacturing firms. Jerry was larger than life and will be greatly missed. He was funny, kind, thoughtful, sensitive, loving, he took his uncle-ing very, very seriously, and he never met a game of Balderdash he didn’t like. He loved John Candy – especially the movie Uncle Buck – and laughed when we called him that. He loved fixing up homes, and happiest at any opportunity to go golfing and fishing.

Special thanks to the staff at 4th floor and Palliative Care Bluewater Health for their excellent care and compassion.

Family and friends are invited to gather in the McKinlay Reception Centre adjacent to the parking lot at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 2:00 pm until the Funeral Service to celebrate Jerry’s life at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow.

Memorial donations to honour Jerry's life can be made to the charity of your choice and would be appreciated by the family.

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040