Gerald “Jerry” Dziduch

He was born in Dunkirk on Oct. 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.