In Memory of John Michael Gaieski

John Michael Gaieski
August 8, 1947 - June 19, 2024
Lieutenant Colonel John Michael Gaieski, a distinguished retired Marine Corps officer and great man, passed away peacefully at his home in Palm Coast, FL at the age of 76.
John was born in Chelsea, MA on August 8, 1947 to John Kazimir and Helen (Duc) Gaieski. He attended Peabody High School where he played football and graduated class of 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of South Dakota in 1970, then was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer where he embarked on a prestigious 25 year military career. He demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to his fellow Marines, earning many commendations for outstanding service including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He also advocated for effective policy and legislation to support women in the military.
Beyond his military career, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and a steadfast, loyal friend to many. He was known for his generosity, unwavering positivity, sense of humor, and inspirational stories. He enjoyed many Caribbean cruises and road trips around the United States with his wife Diana and his dog DJ. John was an avid football and golf fan. He loved listening to rock and roll, dancing to the oldies, watching action movies, cooking for family gatherings, and was a master of crossword puzzles. He especially adored dogs, of which he had many over the years. He supported the church, youth programs, and animal welfare organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Surviving him are his wife, Diana (Trimble) Gaieski of Palm Coast, FL, two sisters Marcia Kanarakis and her husband, George of Bathurst, NSW, Australia and Patricia Vega of Melrose, MA, his daughter Julie Gaieski and partner Matthew of Groveland, MA, his stepdaughters Bridget Shipman and husband Pat of Basehor, KS, Christina Hankinson and husband Scott of Sunrise Beach, MO, and Sarah Dixon of Palm Coast, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who knew him as “Papa John.” He is preceded in death by his son John Eric Gaieski and siblings Carol J. Gaieski, Mary S. Lane, and Michael J. Gaieski.
In honor of Ret. Lt. Col. John M. Gaieski’s life and service, a funeral mass will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024 at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL. Visiting hours will be on Friday June 28, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at Clymer Funeral Home, 39 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast, FL. He will be interred with full military honors on Monday, July 1 at 9:30am sharp, Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, FL 32754. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the ASPCA, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090.
John’s legacy of service, selflessness, and devotion will endure in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Semper Fidelis.