SULLIVAN – Robert F. Gavelek, 63, died Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at his home in Sullivan surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 12, 1940, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Henry and Louise (Carron) Gavelek Sr. Robert ran the Open Hearth Motel in Trenton until retiring last season. For many years, he ran Tiffany’s Antiques, and also worked as the barber at BMHI. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. Robert enjoyed his family very much. He had a special personality, everyone who met him loved him. He is survived by his wife of 43 years and soulmate of 51 years, Nancy (Zuk) Gavelek of Sullivan; five children, David Gavelek and his wife, Eileen, of Bedford, Mass., Michael Gavelek of Chicago, Ill., Lynne Betz and her husband, Greg, of Ellsworth, John Gavelek and his wife, Teri, of Orland, and Laura Eastman and her husband, Michael, of Sullivan; 11 grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Miller and her husband, Herb, of Lake Carroll, Ill.; his mother-in-law, Sophie Zuk of Sullivan; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Robert was predeceased by his parents and two brothers. Friends are invited to visit with the family 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, 215 Main St., Ellsworth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellsworth with the Rev. Scott Mower, pastor, presider. Gifts in memory of Robert may be sent to the M.D.I. Hospital Oncology Department, 10 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
ROBERT F. GAVELEK
