Francis Michael Gondek, 88, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully on March 12 at his home. He was born Dec. 23, 1929 in Glastonbury, Conn., son of Frank E. Gondek and Hilda (Urbanski) Gondek.
Francis graduated from Glastonbury High School in 1947 and from Morse Business College with a degree in accounting in 1950. He was a sports enthusiast, playing soccer and basketball in both schools, and then he was an avid golfer.
Francis served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and graduated from Army Intelligence School in Fort Riley, Kan. where he earned the rank of sergeant. After being discharged, Francis took over his father’s business and was owner of Frank Gondek & Sons Painting and Wallpapering business.
He lived in Glastonbury most of his life and married his high school sweetheart, Janet Guimont and they had three children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was always there for his family and friends when needed. Anything he achieved was for the benefit of his family.
Francis and Janet retired in Maine where he enjoyed spending time at their camp, fishing and boating with family and friends. Gardening, watching and feeding the birds were a few of his favorite hobbies. Another of his favorite pastimes was watching football and golf on TV. He also loved taking care of his dogs, making sure they were spoiled.
Francis had great wisdom and knowledge in many areas. He was often sought for advice because of this. He also had a great sense of humor and a heart of gold, in spite of his sometimes gruff nature. Those who knew him loved his strong and loving ways. He will be greatly missed by all.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Richard Gondek, and Paul Gondek; grandson, Matthew Ryan Bailey; son, Mark Francis Gondek; and daughter, Linda Susan Chumsae, all of Maine.
Francis is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janet Guimont Gondek of Jefferson; daughter, Sharon Bailey and husband Myles of Jefferson; granddaughter, Kimberly Fox and husband Christopher, their two children Camden and Connor, all of Newburgh; grandson, Matthew Gondek and his son Markus of North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Megan Migel Gondek of Newburgh; brother and sister-in-law, Bernard and Lorraine Guimont of Glastonbury, Conn.; dear friend, Patricia Gibson of Maine and Florida; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Sat., April 14 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro, with Rev. Robert Dorr officiating. Burial will be in the Village Cemetery in Jefferson at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association, 51 US 1, #M, Scarborough, ME 04074.
To extend online condolences please visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are with Hall’s of Waldoboro.