Cover photo for Gerald J. Dziduch's Obituary
Gerald J. Dziduch Profile Photo
1956 Jerry 2023

Gerald J. Dziduch

October 15, 1956 — December 29, 2023

Dunkirk

 

 

Gerald “Jerry” Dziduch, 67, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023,

surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. 

He was born in Dunkirk on October 15, 1956, to the late Andy and Diane 

Dziduch. 

A beloved son and brother, Jerry was raised alongside six siblings where 

he learned the importance of family, faith and hard work.

A 1975 graduate of Dunkirk High School, Jerry earned a basketball 

scholarship to Geneseo College. However, he soon returned home to work 

for his family’s business, Andrew Dziduch Construction Company where he 

continued to learn the building trade.  That company later became what is 

now known as the Add Lumber Company where he and his siblings were 

co-owners.  He learned the retail business and this became his lifelong 

career and passion.

On August 8, 1981 Jerry married the love of his life, Cheryl (Carroll) 

Dziduch. Cheryl light heartedly chose that date 8/8/81 so that Jerry would 

never forget their anniversary! Together they raised their three children 

Shannon, Cory and Kellie.  Jerry always attended his children’s sporting 

and life events and especially adored his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed 

listening to classic rock, vacationing to Siesta Key, riding his Harley, playing 

golf, fishing, and watching the Sabres and Bills. 

Twelve years ago, he was able to achieve his lifelong dream of building his 

home on Lake Erie to enjoy with his family.  From here he had the best view 

of every sunset.

Working with his hands and never afraid to get dirty, Jerry was an incredibly 

hard worker, adopting the motto: “Do it right the first time”. He became a 

wealth of knowledge, a skilled and fair businessman with strong faith and 

morals that he instilled in his children. With no plans to ever retire, Jerry was 

a workhorse with a “just get it done” attitude, even ordering trucks of lumber 

well into his final days. He leaves behind a successful family-run business 

he knew from the inside out and truly loved. 

Although he left us far too soon, we take great joy in knowing that his life was 

wonderfully fulfilled. He was an incredible man who left behind a remarkable legacy.

Surviving is his wife of 42 years, Cheryl C Dziduch, and their three children: 

Shannon (Chris) Dante, Cory (Aleah) Dziduch, and Kellie (Cory Clabbatz) 

Dziduch. His six grandchildren: Nadia and Nicholas Dante, Isabella Buckley, 

Ellie, Ayden and Leilani Dziduch. His six siblings: Linda (Len) Rao, Fred (Zoraida) 

Dziduch, Laura (Rick) Bellando, Kenny (Karen Gentner) Dziduch, Lisa (Rick) Crandall, 

Louise (Chris) Lanski, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends are welcome to call Friday, January 5, 2024, from 1-3 and 6-8pm 

at the McGraw Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Avenue Dunkirk.  Funeral services 

will be held Saturday January 6, 2024 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church. 

Arrangements are by Richard Mackowiak.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, 

328 Washington Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048. Donations can be mailed or made online 

at https://www.nccschool.us/support-nccs

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald J. Dziduch, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, January 5, 2024

1:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

McGraw - Kowal Funeral Home

736 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Friday, January 5, 2024

6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

McGraw - Kowal Funeral Home

736 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 6, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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