Obituary for John J. "Gitzy" Kaziukonis
John Joseph Kaziukonis (Gitzy) 73, of Hudson, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2020 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Dorchester on June 22, 1947, to the late Rhuland Burgess and Mary Kaziukonis. He was the beloved husband of 37 years to Renate (Wirth) Kaziukonis.
John joined the Marines in 1967 where he served honorably in Vietnam earning many decorations. He then joined the Maynard Police Department and was a patrolman for 26 years. Along with being a Police Officer, he owned his own construction and landscaping business (MJK Services), which allowed him to create his visions for everyone to enjoy.
John and Renate (Rae) married and settled in Hudson where they raised their 6 girls. John cherished his time with his family and friends and enjoyed hosting parties and celebrations. He was a strong and selfless man his entire life. He loved his family and friends and every person he met was always welcomed with open arms. John always saw the best in all people. He continued that strength and love while he courageously battled all the struggles of Parkinson’s.
John enjoyed traveling with his family and especially enjoyed his trips to Florida, Maine and the Catskills. He was an avid bass fisherman participating in many tournaments. Hunting, golfing and playing cards with friends were some of his other favorite pastimes.
He is survived by his wife, Renate of Hudson, MA; his daughters Mary Chambers (Shaun) of Hudson, MA; Heidi Sargent (David) of Northford, CT; Donna Phillips (Ken) of Frankfort, ME; Melissa Murphy of Hancock, ME; Andrea Wessell of Rochester, NH and 13 grandchildren; Ava, Megan, Caitlyn, Jessica, Stephanie, Jennifer, Heather, Kelley, Justin, Peter, Joshua, Emily, and Eric.
He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and their families. His sisters Ardith Paniccia, Bonnie Watkins, Dianne Gillman, Karen Schultz, Robynn Moore, brother Randy Burgess. Also, Joe Tetreault, and his cousin Bill Sokolowki who were both like brothers to him.
He was predeceased by his Mother and Father and Jen Walsh (who was like a mother to him), his daughter Marilyn Williamson, granddaughter Misty Robbins and sister Marcia Chandler-Freeman.
We are grateful to our sister Mary for the extraordinary care she provided that allowed him to stay at home. We would like to express our appreciation to Mike Chambers for his friendship and support during Gitzy’s illness. We would also like to thank Maris (Dad’s Home Health Aid) for her 3 amazing years of love, kindness, and dedication to Dad and our family. Our family wishes to thank hospice for their kindness and exceptional care during his final days.
Visiting hours are Tuesday December 8th, 2020 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue, (Rte 111) Acton. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Due to pandemic restrictions, the graveside service on Wednesday at noon in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Maynard, is private.
Donations in his memory can be made to either the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd. Suite 102, PMB 609
Oceanside, CA 92057, online at www.semperfifund.org or to the Michael J Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com
John joined the Marines in 1967 where he served honorably in Vietnam earning many decorations. He then joined the Maynard Police Department and was a patrolman for 26 years. Along with being a Police Officer, he owned his own construction and landscaping business (MJK Services), which allowed him to create his visions for everyone to enjoy.
John and Renate (Rae) married and settled in Hudson where they raised their 6 girls. John cherished his time with his family and friends and enjoyed hosting parties and celebrations. He was a strong and selfless man his entire life. He loved his family and friends and every person he met was always welcomed with open arms. John always saw the best in all people. He continued that strength and love while he courageously battled all the struggles of Parkinson’s.
John enjoyed traveling with his family and especially enjoyed his trips to Florida, Maine and the Catskills. He was an avid bass fisherman participating in many tournaments. Hunting, golfing and playing cards with friends were some of his other favorite pastimes.
He is survived by his wife, Renate of Hudson, MA; his daughters Mary Chambers (Shaun) of Hudson, MA; Heidi Sargent (David) of Northford, CT; Donna Phillips (Ken) of Frankfort, ME; Melissa Murphy of Hancock, ME; Andrea Wessell of Rochester, NH and 13 grandchildren; Ava, Megan, Caitlyn, Jessica, Stephanie, Jennifer, Heather, Kelley, Justin, Peter, Joshua, Emily, and Eric.
He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and their families. His sisters Ardith Paniccia, Bonnie Watkins, Dianne Gillman, Karen Schultz, Robynn Moore, brother Randy Burgess. Also, Joe Tetreault, and his cousin Bill Sokolowki who were both like brothers to him.
He was predeceased by his Mother and Father and Jen Walsh (who was like a mother to him), his daughter Marilyn Williamson, granddaughter Misty Robbins and sister Marcia Chandler-Freeman.
We are grateful to our sister Mary for the extraordinary care she provided that allowed him to stay at home. We would like to express our appreciation to Mike Chambers for his friendship and support during Gitzy’s illness. We would also like to thank Maris (Dad’s Home Health Aid) for her 3 amazing years of love, kindness, and dedication to Dad and our family. Our family wishes to thank hospice for their kindness and exceptional care during his final days.
Visiting hours are Tuesday December 8th, 2020 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue, (Rte 111) Acton. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Due to pandemic restrictions, the graveside service on Wednesday at noon in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Maynard, is private.
Donations in his memory can be made to either the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd. Suite 102, PMB 609
Oceanside, CA 92057, online at www.semperfifund.org or to the Michael J Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com