Jeffrey S. Gazdak, 54, of Warren, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jeff was born August 16, 1961, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Eugene Gazdak, of Russell, PA and the late Patricia Torok Gazdak, who passed away on January 27, 2012.

Jeff was nearly a lifelong area resident, growing up in Grunderville on Lenhart Rd, and living in Pleasant Township for many years. He was a 1979 graduate of Warren Area High school. He was always a hard worker and an extraordinary achiever. In his early years, he was employed with Quaker State Oil. He then went on to work for Elkhorn Propane and was instrumental in the building of the Keystone Plant. He started the retail propane business on Rt. 6 in Warren and purchased it in the following years. He presently owns AK Self Storage, AK Energy and is part owner in PennOaks Energy. Jeff also rebuilt and opened the Forester Restaurant, following in his parent's footsteps, who operated the Forester for many years. He was a guy who never stood still.

Always an outdoorsman, Jeff enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, archery, four wheeling, and a good campfire with his many friends and family. His friendships spanned generations through his businesses and outdoor interests. The list of good friends is long. With all whom he knew and enjoyed, his number one priority in life was his daughters. They loved to travel and spend time together, making more than enough memories to last a lifetime.

Jeff was a member of the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. He was also a member of the B.P.O. Elks #223 and a social member of the American Legion #135. Also, if there were truly a Grunderville Men's Association, Jeff would have been president.

In addition to his father, Eugene, of Russell, he is survived by his daughters, Angela M. Gustafson and husband Mike, Warren, and Katie Gazdak and fiancé Eric Gathers, Moon Twp; three brothers, Tom Gazdak and wife Gina, Jamestown, NY, Rick Gazdak and wife Denise, Russell, PA and Jim Gazdak, Russell, PA; eight nieces, Ashley Grubbs, Heather Douvlos, Jillian, Sierra, Hannah, Alexis, Kelsey, and Peyton Gazdak; and two nephews, Devon and Dylan Gazdak.

Friends will be received at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home Inc., 1003 Penna Ave, E., Warren, PA 16365 on Sunday, August 14 from 1 to 6 pm. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Monday, August 15 at 10 am at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 600 Penna. Ave. Warren, with the Rev. Rick Toohey, Celebrant. A vigil service will be held at 12:45 pm Sunday.

Burial will follow in the Warren County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, Angela and Katie would like to direct memorial donations to Hunt of a Lifetime, 6297 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA 16421, an organization dedicated to taking disabled children and veterans hunting.