John A. Gazdik

John Andrew Gazdik April 13, 1923 - July 29, 2012 Born and reared in Ohio, John was a graduate of Kent State University. He was employed in various capacities on newspapers in Ohio, including the editing of a weekly paper. In WWII, he served three years in the Army as a combat infantryman in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in the Philippine Islands. He began his insurance career in San Francisco in 1951 with the Employer's Group and, in 1959, joined the international brokerage, Johnson & Higgins, from which he retired in 1987 as a vice-president. He was a two-term president of the Underwriters Forum of San Francisco, a committee member of the Society of Insurance Brokers, co-founder of the Wonton Society, a property insurance discussion group and a member of the San Francisco Commercial Club. John and his wife, Fran, whom he married in 1960, resided in Marinwood since 1961. He was a member of the Marinwood Park and Recreation Commission, the Serra Club and served as president of the Mary E. Silveira Home and School Association. An avid lover of sports, he was a charter member of the San Francisco seniors' golf group, the Whackers, assisted in the formation of a local girls' softball league, and always supported the 49er's and the Giants. John is survived by his wife, Fran, and his three children, John Steven Gazdik (Diana), Kathy Newman (Russell) of Napa, and Patricia Howe (Stacey) of Pollock Pines; his brother Frank Gazdik (Paula) of Youngstown, Ohio; grandchildren Hayley Gazdik, Andrew and Mark Newman, Matthew, Mariah and Elizabeth Howe and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to a Rosary Service followed by a Funeral Mass on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Isabella's Church, #1 Trinity Way, San Rafael. Private interment services will be held on the following day. Memorial contributions may be made to The Marian Missionaries of Jesus Crucified, Queen of Peace Oratory, 319 Nile Court, Vacaville, CA 95688; or Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903; or The Carmelite Monastery, 530 Blackstone Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903.