Ronald Gwiazdowski
Griswold — Ronald C. Gwiazdowski, 84, of Griswold died Aug. 9, 2020, at home after a long battle with cancer.
He was born July 6, 1936, in Norwich, the son of the late Leon J. Gwiazdowski and Mary (Cholewa) Gwiazdowski.
Ronald was employed for over 30 years at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, rising to the positions of Laboratory Supervisor and later Blood Bank Supervisor until he retired. For many years he operated a successful poultry farm in Griswold. Under his guidance, the entire family shared the work and experience of farm life that he so enjoyed. Ron was a dependable and hard worker who always got the job done. He always made sure he had time to have fun with family and friends. With his children, he spent many Sundays playing baseball or football for ice cream sundaes. He said many times how much he enjoyed the trips to Prince Edward Island with his sister and brothers and the clam bakes we used to have in the summer at “the cottage.”
He was married for 61 years to Beverly (Poirier) Gwiazdowski, who died Feb. 3, 2017. He is survived by his six children, Anthony Gwiazdowski and his wife, Catherine Lombardi, of West Warwick, R.I., Michael Gwiazdowski and his wife, Joan, of Voluntown, Suzanne Barber and her husband, Brad, of Voluntown, AnneMarie Watrous and her husband, Curt, of Quaker Hill, James Gwiazdowski of Griswold and David Gwiazdowski and his wife, Michele Kelly (Mimi), of Griswold; and nine grandchildren, Mary (Gwiazdowski) Corcoran, Stephanie (Barber) Post, Zachary McGrath, Timothy Gwiazdowski, Michael Gwiazdowski, Eric Barber, Kate Gwiazdowski, Joseph Gwiazdowski and Autumn Gwiazdowski. He also leaves nine great-grandchildren with one on the way; and his sister Dorothy Sardo of Griswold; brother Richard Gwiazdowski and wife Sally of Brooklyn. He was predeceased by his brother Bill and his wife, Mary.
Ron was devoted to his wife, Beverly, and provided her with tremendous love and care throughout their marriage, but especially as poor health troubled her in her later years. Proud of all his children, he was the provider of love, support, sage advice and an open ear to all of them. He was very grateful to have been an important part of the lives of his grandchildren and loved their visits with him. He was an animal lover and had many great pets over the years, leaving behind his beloved dog, Angus. Ron was an avid outdoorsman, loved all the Boston sports teams, enjoyed a friendly game of cribbage, pitch or poker. He looked forward to seeing his friends at Sprague Rod & Gun Club and at Better Val-U, especially the deli crew.
For the past two and a half years he battled pancreatic cancer with such tremendous strength and grace. To the end, he was upbeat, optimistic about life and grateful for the blessings he received. Ron had a terrific sense of humor, was a good friend, a man of his word and a person whom people enjoyed being around.
Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, 490 Voluntown Road, Jewett City, is handling the arrangements. Visiting hours will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at St. Mary Church, Jewett City. The family would like to inform family and friends that COVID-19 precautions are in place and wearing masks and social distancing is required.
For online condolences, please go to www.gagnepiechowski.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.