Donald J. Dziedzic

Mr. Donald J. Dziedzic, 87, of Gorham, NH and formerly of New York City, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital after a sudden illness. He was born on September 19, 1937, the son of the late Stanislaus and Helen (Drzal) Dziedzic and was raised in Chicopee, MA, where he graduated from Chicopee High School with the class of 1955. He went on to attend Boston University and American International College. He worked in New York City with several airlines, including Northeast, before moving to Air France where he worked for 20 years before retirement. 

Donald was a gifted musician and professional trumpet player whose passion for music began in the 8th grade when he joined the school band. In high school he and his friends formed a dance band that performed Polish as well as pop favorites. A devoted jazz enthusiast, he visited venues around the world, including the iconic Village Vanguard and other notable clubs. Donald's love for the arts extended beyond music; before retirement, he embraced the joy of dance, taking up tango with his longtime partner, Nanci Callahan. 

He is survived by his daughters Victoria McGillicuddy and husband Earl of Gorham, and Jennifer Sellers and husband Bruce of Portland, ME; his grandchildren: Sarah, Luke, Mark, Jesse, Jade; great-grands: John, Leonard, Rowan, Eloise, Oscar, Howard; as well as several cousins including Robert Dziedzic and family of Chicopee, MA, and Thomas Drzal and family of Holyoke, MA. Don was predeceased by his partner, Nanci Callahan, and former wife, Martha Nickels Dziedzic.

In accordance with his wishes, Donald will be interred privately with his family at the St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee, MA. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to The Gorham Congregational Church, UCC, 143 Main Street, Gorham, NH. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Homes & Crematory, Berlin and Gorham, NH.