Gerald “Jerry” Dziduch, 67, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023,
surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Dunkirk on October 15, 1956, to the late Andy and Diane
Dziduch.
A beloved son and brother, Jerry was raised alongside six siblings where
he learned the importance of family, faith and hard work.
A 1975 graduate of Dunkirk High School, Jerry earned a basketball
scholarship to Geneseo College. However, he soon returned home to work
for his family’s business, Andrew Dziduch Construction Company where he
continued to learn the building trade. That company later became what is
now known as the Add Lumber Company where he and his siblings were
co-owners. He learned the retail business and this became his lifelong
career and passion.
On August 8, 1981 Jerry married the love of his life, Cheryl (Carroll)
Dziduch. Cheryl light heartedly chose that date 8/8/81 so that Jerry would
never forget their anniversary! Together they raised their three children
Shannon, Cory and Kellie. Jerry always attended his children’s sporting
and life events and especially adored his grandchildren. He also enjoyed
listening to classic rock, vacationing to Siesta Key, riding his Harley, playing
golf, fishing, and watching the Sabres and Bills.
Twelve years ago, he was able to achieve his lifelong dream of building his
home on Lake Erie to enjoy with his family. From here he had the best view
of every sunset.
Working with his hands and never afraid to get dirty, Jerry was an incredibly
hard worker, adopting the motto: “Do it right the first time”. He became a
wealth of knowledge, a skilled and fair businessman with strong faith and
morals that he instilled in his children. With no plans to ever retire, Jerry was
a workhorse with a “just get it done” attitude, even ordering trucks of lumber
well into his final days. He leaves behind a successful family-run business
he knew from the inside out and truly loved.
Although he left us far too soon, we take great joy in knowing that his life was
wonderfully fulfilled. He was an incredible man who left behind a remarkable legacy.
Surviving is his wife of 42 years, Cheryl C Dziduch, and their three children:
Shannon (Chris) Dante, Cory (Aleah) Dziduch, and Kellie (Cory Clabbatz)
Dziduch. His six grandchildren: Nadia and Nicholas Dante, Isabella Buckley,
Ellie, Ayden and Leilani Dziduch. His six siblings: Linda (Len) Rao, Fred (Zoraida)
Dziduch, Laura (Rick) Bellando, Kenny (Karen Gentner) Dziduch, Lisa (Rick) Crandall,
Louise (Chris) Lanski, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call Friday, January 5, 2024, from 1-3 and 6-8pm
at the McGraw Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Avenue Dunkirk. Funeral services
will be held Saturday January 6, 2024 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church.
Arrangements are by Richard Mackowiak.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School,
328 Washington Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048. Donations can be mailed or made online
Friday, January 5, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
McGraw - Kowal Funeral Home
Friday, January 5, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
McGraw - Kowal Funeral Home
Saturday, January 6, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
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