Andy CloseEugene S. Gazdak, 90, of Russell, Pa., and formerly of Grunderville, passed away on Nov. 15, 2021, after a long courageous battle with cancer, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was born June 23, 1931, in Independence, Ohio, the son of the late Steven and Elizabeth Gans Gazdak.
Following high school, Gene enlisted and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed with the 51st Intercept Wing. Gene owned and operated a Sunoco gas station in Independence, Ohio, before moving his family to Grunderville. During this time, Gene and his late wife, Pat, owned and operated the Forester Restaurant, which remains in the family today. Gene worked in the shipping department at Betts Industries for nearly 30 years from which he retired in 1997.
Gene enjoyed back road rides with his canine buddy, Ellie, boating, fishing, a good bowl of soup, a good cup of coffee, and Pat’s good cooking. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Gene is survived by his sons: Thomas (Gina) Gazdak of Jamestown, N.Y., Richard (Denise) Gazdak, of Russell, and James Gazdak, of Russell; 12 grandchildren: Ashley (Alex) Grubbs, Angela (Michael) Gustafson, Katie (Eric) Gathers, Heather (Ryan) Douvlos, Jillian (Kurtis) Gazdak, Sierra, Hannah, Alexis, Kelsey, Peyton, Devon and Dylan Gazdak; five great grandchildren: Olivia and Clara Gustafson, Nolan Grubbs, Remi Gathers and Marley Douvlos; his longtime friends: Bob and Alice Stofko; and several nieces and nephews in the Cleve-land area. Gene is also survived by his beloved golden retriever, Ellie.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Patricia Torok Gazdak in 2012; a son; Jeffrey S. Gazdak in 2016; and a brother, Robert Gazdak in 2021.
A private family service will be held at the Peterson Blick Funeral Home, Inc. 1003 Penna Ave. E., Warren, on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at which time a funeral service will be held with the Rev. Jeffrey Ewing, pastor, officiating.
Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, Pa.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Warren County Hospice and Warren Cancer Center staff for their wonderful, and thoughtful care.
The family suggests memorial donations be made in Eugene’s name to Hospice of Warren County, One Main Ave, Warren, PA 16365.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.
