Robert J Gajarski

Obituary

Robert J Gajarski, age 87, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Robert was born July 06, 1934 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, a son of Joseph and Helen Olga (Vachay) Gajarski. Robert proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957. He married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Hammond on June 28, 1958 in Middle Port, New York.
Robert attended several schools from R&E Dunellen then Plainfield followed by high school in New Brunswick (these communities were all in the same area of NJ. He graduated from St. Peter's HS in 1952. After his time in the US Air Force, Robert went back home to NJ. He attended Quaker City School of Aeronautics (like our Spartan) in South Philadelphia to train on aircraft engine work. Bob met Mary Catherine Hammond when he was at a wedding rehearsal in Tucson, Arizona. It took only about a week after meeting Mary to ask her father for her hand in marriage. Mary said she needed to still meet his family before answering his proposal so she traveled to NJ to finally meet his family. In Bob's eye Mary was obviously quite attractive, it was Bob's philosophy that you can't judge a book by its cover for it's what is inside that really counts. Well it didn't take him long to realize this beauty was more than skin deep so Robert married Mary.
Their first home town was Brook Heights, NJ. He worked for his father business, Overhead Door Installation Company. He then worked at Flight Enterprise sites in Mt. Holly, NJ. Robert finished school in January 1959. Beginning in 1960, Robert began working at American Airlines - JFK. He then transferred to Tulsa Airport in 1968 and moved the family to Claremore. Robert decided to retire in 1996. After retirement he enjoyed days of doing whatever he wanted to do! He was a Veterans Volunteer at the Elks Lodge, Honor Guard for the Knights of Columbus, and Head Volunteer at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, plus traveled as much as possible.
He is preceded in death by his parents and spouse, Mary Catherine and oldest brother Joseph. He is survived by four sons, Thomas "Tom" Arthur Gajarski (Angela) of CO, Dr. Robert "Rob" John Gajarski Jr. (Barbara) of OH, Michael James Gajarski (Jacqueline) of Edmond, OK, and Paul Hammond Gajarski; nine grandchildren, and two brothers, James David Gajarski of ME, and David James Gajarski of ME.


Arrangements provided by Rice Funeral Service, 631 East Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore, OK.
(918) 341-.0376 (office phone), family@ricefuneralservice.com (email).