Obituary of Roger S. Gugnacki

Roger S. Gugnacki

1939-2019

Utica, NY -  Roger Stanley Gugnacki passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 10, 2019.  He was surrounded by the love and support of his wife, children and grandchildren.  Roger  (Gug) was born  on May 1, 1939, the son of Eugenia (Kopek) and Stanley Gugnacki.  He attended St. Stanislaus grammar school and Proctor High School.  Upon graduation in 1958 Gug joined the U.S. Navy, serving for 4 years , being honorably discharged in December, 1962.  On April 23, 1966 he married Marilyn Kurdziolek in Holy Trinity Church.  From that union came two loving and caring daughters Lori and Jennifer.

Roger was employed by the Sheet Metal Workers International Union, Local 58, retiring in 1999.  During a break from Sheet Metal  (1976 to 1980), he was also employed by Acme Marble and Granite, he was the first International Sales Director in the company and moved his family to British Columbia.  After 2 years of training Canadian sales personnel, he was transferred to New Jersey. He later moved his family back to Utica and returned to sheet metal work.

Roger is survived by his wife Marilyn, his daughter Lori and her husband Kevin Otis, his daughter Jennifer and her life partner Christine St. Germaine.  Also surviving him are his grandchildren Matthew Otis and his partner Tony Alardin of Colorado, Zachary Otis and Leea Tripple of Schuyler, Christopher Otis and Tiffany Wagstaff of Utica, Danyelle Pagan and her husband  Dr. Richard Paulsen, Ph.D.  of Vermont, Carissa St. Germaine of Whitesboro, and Corey Pagan of Utica.  Also surviving are his brother  Ronald Gugnacki and his wife Irene of Sherrill, a brother-in-law  and sister-in-law Jean and Ronald Kurdziolek of Syracuse, one aunt Bernice Olechowski of Utica, many nieces and nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by his parents Jennie and Stanley Gugnacki and his in-laws Jane and Rudy Dziegiel. 

In keeping with Roger’s wishes there are no calling hours, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Holy Trinity Church at 11:00 a.m.  The family will receive visitors after the service. 

Roger’s family wishes to complement the care he received during his stay at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse.  Also thank you to Dr. Toby Taylor and Deacon Bill Dishavio for visiting with the family and offering prayers with the family for Roger.  Arrangements are under  the direction of Kowalczyk Funeral  Home, Utica, NY. 

Rest in peace Roger, you are so loved. 

Light a candle at www.kowalczykfuneralhome.com.