George Francis Gazarek

George Gazarek, 78, of Accokeek, Maryland, passed away on Saturday morning, February 19, 2022.  He was under the care of Hospice of the Chesapeake and his passing was peaceful.

George was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he met the love of his life, Rose Gazarek.  Married for 44 years, they raised a loving son, Jonathan having lived in Phoenix, AZ, San Diego, CA, Gilbert, AZ, Victor, NY, and Accokeek, MD. 

He served in the Marine Corp Reserve in the late 60’s and was always a proud Marine.  His work career began at Bell Labs in Illinois, where he went to night school to earn his undergraduate degree.  In later years he received his graduate degree at USC, and was an avid fan of his Southern California alma mater.  He worked at Goodyear Aerospace, where he met Rose, then General Dynamics, Motorola, Harris RF, and Spectracom.  He enjoyed his career in Aerospace & Defense retiring as the CEO of a small business, Hydroacoustics. 

After retirement, he became involved in numerous volunteer organizations that gave him purpose.  He re-established the Men’s Club at Rodef-Shalom in Falls Church, VA when on 2/12/2012 he was honored as Man of the Year at a beautiful tribute.  He later joined Congregation Sha’re Shalom in Waldorf, Maryland and served as President.  He walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in 2014 with his brother-in-law, Victor Soto and that journey made a lasting impression even into his last days.  He was a Master Gardener though Charles County and especially loved the County Fair booth experiences each year.  He was a member of the Crossroads of Hughesville Garden Club where he was past President and current Treasurer.  He was Treasurer of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland District II in 2019-2022 and was happy to introduce his financial expertise into that organization. 

While all of these volunteer experiences were enriching, his best memory was as President of the Friends of Maxwell Hall (FOMH).  FOMH was established in 2018 for the purpose of bringing programs and events to the historic Maxwell Hall, 17388 Teagues Point Road, Hughesville, Maryland.  For that reason, his desire was that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the non-profit Friends of Maxwell Hall, P. O. Box 123, Hughesville, Maryland 20637.  For more information about FOHM, please visit www.friendsofmh.com

He was social media savvy and wrote  on 11/17/2021:  “It was a little over seven years ago that I completed the 500 mile hike in the Camino de Santiago. Yesterday, I began a new journey with my diagnosis of stage four colon cancer. A few more tests in the next couple of days will be followed by a diverting surgery to relieve my pain. Once recovered from that I will begin a very aggressive chemo regimen. I will approach this new journey as I did the Camino, one day at a time. Your thoughts and prayers will help me to complete this journey also.” 

His last social media post was on 1/19/2022:  “Since my last post in November sharing my stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis, my condition has worsened. I've lost weight from 192 down to 155 with a similar loss of strength and stamina. I am no longer stronger enough to take on Chemo therapy. My latest CT scan shows the cancer aggressively moving into my stomach and liver. As such, this Friday, I will enter Hospice Care.

I move into this final phase at peace with the world and with myself. I've been blessed with a loving family, good friends, and a lifetime of great experiences and memories. While I am able, I will continue to work for The Friends of Maxwell Hall, a nonprofit I started and believe in so strongly. I thank you all for whatever part you played in giving me a wonderful life. It's been a joy.”

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rose, son Jonathan, daughters Tammy and Danielle from a prior marriage and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services are private.  A celebration of life memorial will be planned and announced.