John Gazzal

Mr. John Gazzal, 73, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, March 6, 2021. His loving family was by his side.

John was born in Utica, October 1, 1947, the son of the late Anthony J. and Helen (Nassimos) Gazzal. He was raised and educated in Madison and a 1965 graduate of Madison Central School. While in high school, John excelled as a catcher on the varsity baseball team.

As a young man, John worked various jobs, while always working in the family business, Deansboro Superette. He worked with his mom and dad for many years, and for the past forty years, worked side by side with his daughter, Michelle, and more recently, his grandchildren, Torrie, Alaina, and Sarah, who cherished every day working with their Gido.

A big man with a big personality, it was always a pleasure to stop at the store and see John. The store is the Walmart of Deansboro, and he carried everything from middle eastern food to power tools. You could always count on John to put a smile on your face, he was a big part of the Deansboro area and will be deeply missed.

On November 6, 1967, John was joined in marriage to the former Nancy Steph. John and Nancy shared over fifty-three loving years of family, work, and marriage.

An avid golfer, John was a member of Barker Brook Golf Course, where he played in their league, as well as, the Skenandoah Golf Club. He also enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends, and loved his annual trips to Vegas, with his adored daughters and his buddy Richie. John was a longtime 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifelong die-hard NY Yankee fan.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his son, Anthony Gazzal and his fiancée Sherry Hughes; three daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Bernard Peck, Kelley and Paul Blidy, and Kimberly and Frank Spatto; beloved grandchildren, Mari-Lea Gazzal, Jon Gazzal, Torrie, Alaina, and Sarah Peck, Andrew and Alexander Klockowski, and Frankie and Madelyn Spatto; his sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Martin Agosto, of FL; his beloved aunt, Mary Nassimos; uncles, George Gazzal and Russell Cerminaro; in-laws, Richard Zawatski, Patricia Rich, Carol and Frederick Roth, and Diana and Steve Goss; and also many nieces, nephews, cousins and many many friends and customers.

John was predeceased by his parents, Tony and Helen; aunt, Julia Nasssimos; uncles and aunts, Joseph and Winifred Nassimos, George Nassimos, Edward Nassimos, Evelyn “Mellie” Gazzal, Jeanette Gazzal, Nancy Cerminaro, Lena Gazzal, and Joseph and Delphine Gazzal; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Josephine and Charles Steph; and in-laws, Sharon Zawatski and Linda Marmelstein.

John’s Liturgy of the Faithful Departed, will be held on Saturday, at 11 a.m., at St. Basil’s Greek Melkite Catholic Church, offered by Rev. Fr. Saba Shofany, Pastor and con-celebrated by Fr. Boutros El Hachem. This service will be live streamed, please refer to our website for additional information. The family will greet visitors prior to mass from 9 to 11 a.m.. The church will be operating at a limited capacity; all attendees must wear face masks covering their nose and mouth, social distance, and register for Covid tracing. Private interment will be in the family plot in Calvary Cemetery. During these difficult social times, please consider a message of sympathy on our website, it is always a great source of comfort to the family.

In memory of John, please consider donations to St. Basil’s Greek Melkite Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at church.

Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Gazzal, please visit our floral store.