Mrs. Patricia E. “Pat” (Gudyka) Zurakowski Obituary

UTICA - Mrs. Patricia E. “Pat” (Gudyka) Zurakowski, age 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, July 30, 2022 with those she loved most in her heart. Born in Utica on March 16, 1938, Patricia was the daughter of the late Charles and Eleanor (Rodzinka) Gudyka. She attended St. Joseph & St. Patrick Elementary School and was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy/Class of 1956. During the latter years of her life, in the 1990’s she enrolled in evening classes at Utica College, concentrating her studies in Business Administration. On June 13, 1959 Pat wed Fred Zurakowski, who was her devoted husband and friend for 63 years. During her vast and varied working life, Pat was employed as a secretary, a career that began at the AT&T Telephone Company, followed by the General Electric Company at the French Road location. She subsequently held a position at St. Agnes School spanning the years of Fr. James Quinn’s tenure to the beginning of Reverend Monsignor Francis Willenberg’s arrival at the parish; she remained close in friendship with the clergy she served over the years. Pat’s next post was at Hamilton College as the Executive Secretary to the President, Martin Caravano, one of her greatest and most gratifying accomplishments. Her semi-retirement positions included her appointment as a receptionist at Lutheran Home where she welcomed all with a piece of candy and a smile, a nicety that earned her the nickname “Candy Lady”. Clearly obvious to all, Pat’s work ethic was boundless, just as her personality was fiercely independent, welcoming, hospitable, and generous. In light of her desire to be accommodating, she won the affection of many people who saw her virtues reflected in her actions. Pat appreciated the friendships she made that filled her days. Her interests included reading cover-to-cover innumerable Harlequin Romance novels filled with excitement and suspense, and watching the Hallmark Channel programs and movies. But most important was her “GrandPad” that connected her to her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren virtually, via videos and treasured photographs that she viewed time and time again! Pat quoted a phrase that defined what made her most happy, “My family is the light of my life, …my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren make everything worthwhile”. Patricia is survived by her husband and friend, Fred; her daughters and son-in-law, Lisa Rajchel, Shelley and Dr. Ron Femia; grandchildren, Adam Rajchel and Alissa Kinner; Ronnie and Kate Femia, Dr. Alex and Luke Miller; great-grandchildren, Dominic, and Liliana Femia; Charlotte Miller, and the anticipated 4th great-grandchild in September. She also leaves her sister, Donna Fogarty; sisters-in-law, Ann-Marie Gudyka, Teresa Zurakowski, and Gladys Zurakowski; numerous and much-loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and especially her nephew, Richard Mosher, who was devoted to her care and supported her throughout her life as well as the many lifelong friends who blessed her days, including Etta Dontino and Rose Bucciero. Pat was predeceased by her siblings, Catherine Kolodziej, Charles Gudyka, Anne and Leo Piechowicz, John Fogarty, Gladys and Frank Handzel, and Jane and John Boehlert; nephews, Frank Handzel, Michael Handzel, and Jack Boehlert; great-niece, Joanne Carinci; in-laws, Eleanor and John Casaletta, Louis and Frances Zurakowski, Josephine Misiaszek, Charles Zurakowski, and Eugene Zurakowski. Finally, her special angel, Jaime Hawkins George, and her cherished son-in-law, Gregory Rajchel. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center who rendered care, dignity, and compassion to Pat during her final journey. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning, August 6, 2022 at 11:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker Street where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation online at www.t2t.org/donate. Envelopes will also be available at the service. Pat’s service may be viewed at: https://youtu.be/V33LPgrthXs

Mrs. Patricia E. “Pat” (Gudyka) Zurakowski

March 16, 1938 - July 30, 2022