Richard Gajewski

Richard E. “Dick” Gajewski of Clearwater, FL formerly of Duluth, MN died on July 29, 2016. He lost his courageous 10-year battle with cancer surrounded by his family and friends at Sun Coast Hospice in Clearwater, Florida.  He was born on April 26, 1939 to Edmund and Florence Gajewski in Duluth, MN. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1957. He followed his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps in the grocery business of Community Market, and became a master butcher. Later in 1972 he opened Bayside Market on Park Point and took great pleasure and joy in serving his local community. Dick made sure the store was open from “8AM to 8PM, 8 days a week”. He met each customer with a smile, offered homemade sausage, and the best meat in town.  Many people said “No one beats Dick’s meat.” Dick was also a strong and supportive father whom took pride in his children and grandchildren. He was able to achieve his dream of retiring in Clearwater, Florida with his wife Mel. He enjoyed regular morning walks to Dunkin’ Doughnuts to enjoy his coffee and free doughnut on the boardwalk, tanning poolside, dancing to country western, and spending as much time as he could with family and friends. He was a member of the following associations: All American Club, American Legion, Elks Club, The Moose Club, Knights of Columbus, and The Owls.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, his brother Dan, and his sister Kathy (Lewis).

He is survived by: his wife of 20 years, Melinda Gajewski (Hanson), children, Debbie (Leigh) Schwartz, Dorie (Scott) Campbell, Rich (Dana) Gajewski, and Duane (Doug Benson) Gajewski, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his sisters, Rita Harold and Joanie Meranda, brother-in-law, George Lewis, many nieces and nephews, a beloved extended family and a close circle of friends.

The family would also like to send a special thanks to all of his Florida friends for helping with his medical care, and providing gifts of friendship and fun, throughout his last years of life. We also thank Bay Care Health System, Florida Cancer Specialists and ManorCare Dunedin for providing consistent support and care throughout his battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held at Dougherty’s Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55805 on Friday August 5, 2016 from 5PM until 7PM with 6:30PM Wake Prayers and will continue from 10AM until the 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, 323 E. 3rd St. Duluth, 55805, on Saturday August 6, 2016.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  218-727-3555.