Robert L. Gacek, 73

SANDISFIELD, Mass. — Robert Louis Gacek, 73, of Sandisfield, Mass., passed away on May 1, 2019, in Great Barrington. Prior to moving to Sandisfield in 2015, he had been a 30-year resident of Waterbury, Conn.

Born January 20, 1946, in New Britain, Conn., he was the son of the late Louis and Anna Petrowicz Gacek. He graduated from E.C. Goodwin Regional Vocational Technical School in New Britain, Conn. He later went to Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, Conn., where he earned his associate's degree in hotel and food service management. He was a member of Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Robert was a proud member of the U.S. Army, having served in Vietnam. He received The Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 Over Seas Bars, Sharpshooter Badge Rifle M14 and the Sharpshooter Badge M16 Rifle before being honorably discharged.

Mr. Gacek worked both sides of retail and wholesale lumber and millwork sales. He was involved in both the planning and implementation of merchandising programs with many hours of hands on display work. Over the years he could be found at Chapman Lumber Co., Thomaston, Conn., Guardian Building Products, Waterbury, Conn., Cleary Millwork, Inc., Rocky Hill, Conn.,, Lloyds Home Centers, North Haven, Conn., and at various Grossman locations. 

An active member of the Sandisfield Community, Robert was a member of the American Legion Post #456, the Sandisfield Council on Aging and the Sandisfield Historical Society.  He was also a member of the Brooklyn Valley VFW Post # 7790 in Waterbury, Conn.

Mr. Gacek enjoyed cooking. He could turn a simple meal into a delicious and appetizing delight.  

Robert is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary Ann DeRuiter Gacek. The couple was married August 27, 1983, in Pompton Plains, N.J. He is also survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Hoffman and her husband Bruce of Amston, Conn.; his stepson, Nicholas Shabrack and his wife Amanda of Apex, N.C.; his brother, Ronald Gacek and wife Dorothy of Fort Mill, S.C.; three grandchildren, Jordan DeSimone and Zoe and Mason Shabrack, all of Apex, N.C.; and his brother-in-law Donald DeRuiter and wife Joyce of Pompton Plains, N.J.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Robert L. Gacek will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, conducted by Father Peter Naranjo.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the AM Vets Post #77 (Otis), the American Legion Post #456 (Sandisfield) or Soldier On c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.