Francis P. Gardzina Sr., 76
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. â€' Francis Peter Gardzina Sr., 76, of 136 Veazie St. died Monday, March 8, 2010, at North Adams Regional Hospital after being stricken earlier at home.
Born in North Adams, son of John and Victoria Zdon Gardzina, he graduated from Drury High School.
A decorated Army veteran, he served as a corporal during the Korean War.
Mr. Gardzina was employed by the former Warren Wire Co. in Pownal, Vt., the former Millbrook Bread in Adams, the former Climax Candy, Cariddi Sales and, at the time of his death, at Mount Greylock Bowl.
He was a life member and past commander of Dr. George L. Curran Post 996 VFW, serving in every office. He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth's Church and enjoyed bowling and golf.
His first wife, the former Ruth Jean Phelps, whom he married Nov. 10, 1956, died Sept. 21, 1982.
His wife, the former Barbara Goodard Guertin, whom he married July 27, 1990, died Jan. 25, 2010.
He leaves a daughter, Kathryn Oliverson of Williamstown; two sons, Francis Gardzina Jr. of Williamstown and Andrew Gardzina of North Adams; two sisters, Emily Harrington and Evelyn Davis, both of Williamstown; two brothers, John Gardzina of North Adams and Stanley Gardzina of Aiken, S.C.; five grandchildren, Ellena, Evan, Matthew, Ashley and Bryce, and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by three brothers and two sisters, Edward, Joseph and Daniel Gardzina and Genevieve Ferdin and Helen Brendza.
FUNERAL NOTICE â€' Funeral services for Mr. Gardzina will take place Friday, March 12, at 10:15 from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial with full military honors will take place in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Thursday, March 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial donations are suggested for the North Adams VFW through the funeral home.