Adam Constantine Gureckis Sr.

Adam Constantine Gureckis Sr., 90, of 54 Harbor Avenue, Nashua, died Friday December 26, 2014 at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua surrounded by his loving family after a period of declining health.

Adam was born on February 23, 1924 in Nashua, the son of the late Eva (Steger Bugalia) and John A. Gureckis. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Evelyn (Shanahan) Gureckis with whom he shared 60 years of marriage prior to her death in 2007. Their love and commitment to each other and family was an inspiration to their family and all who knew them. He was also predeceased by his six brothers, Albert, Alphonse, Anthony, John, twin brother Peter, and Michael.

He is survived by his eight children, who are all life-long residents of Nashua and their spouses, Constance and Dennis McCullion, Linda and John Cunliffe Sr, Adam Jr. and Beverly Gureckis, Judith and James Farrar, Patricia and James Clark, John and Sandra Gureckis, Pamela and James Ford and Debra Gureckis, with whom he made his home and who cared tirelessly and lovingly for him for the last 7 years along with all of his children. She did a remarkable job for him and she is why he could still live at home until his death. Adam is also survived by 15 grandchildren and their spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends who all deeply loved him and called him their Grampy: Shawn McCullion, Kim and Dante Laurendi, Lisa and Mark Flanagan, John and Amanda Cunliffe Jr, Craig and Amie Gureckis, Aaron Gureckis and Jennifer Sanctuary, Jeffrey and Alicia Clark, Ashley Clark and Dan Surette, Michael Farrar and Christine Rutigliano, Kristen and Bryan LaFave, Heather and Justin Mucci, Captain John and Emily Gureckis III, Jennifer Gureckis and Conor Nordengren, Gregory and Kelly Ford, Amy Ford and Brian Bouley. Adam was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Thomas Laurendi, Dylan and Tyler Flanagan, Madison and Joshua Clark, Giavanna and Nico Mucci, Jackson Gureckis, Brantley Ford and Gabriella Gureckis; and was blessed with twin great-grandsons, Adam and David Gureckis, who died at birth.

Adam is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Esther “Cookie” Gerstner and her husband Paul of Nashua, Jacqueline Gureckis of Bedford, NH and Agnes Gureckis of Springfield, MA; and several nieces and nephews.

Adam graduated from Nashua Senior High School in 1944 and attended the University of New Hampshire and Lowell University. He was employed by Nashua Corporation for 40 years in many capacities and retired in 1987 as a research technician. Adam also owned and operated with his twin brother, Peter and brother Albert, WDER radio in Derry, NH for many years until it was sold in 2000. In 1971, Mr. Gureckis joined the Triangle Credit Union Supervisory Committee and served tirelessly as its Chairman for 40 years, and in 1983 he was appointed to Triangle’s Board of Directors. He continued to serve in both positions until his retirement in 2011 at the age of 87 years old.

Adam was a lifelong resident of ward 7 in Nashua and served as the ward’s Alderman for six consecutive terms from 1981 until 1993. He served under three mayoral administrations- Maurice Arel, Jim Donchess and Robert Wagner and in 1983 these three mayors recognized him as an outstanding alderman and state representative and for his many years of exemplary service to the Nashua community. During his tenure as alderman, Adam served on numerous aldermanic city committees including: City Budget, Planning and Economic, Traffic, Chairman for Rules & License, Joint School Committee, Finance, Personnel, Lands and Building and Trustee of the Board of Public Works Pension Fund. While serving as a NH State Representative serving District 30 from 1988 to 1992, he was a member of the Ways & Means Committee and many other sub committees. From 1990 – 1992, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Hillsborough County Delegation. In 1992, Adam was the recipient of the Outstanding Legislator Award. In 1987, Adam received the NH Democratic Party Distinguished Service Award.

In 2002, Adam received the Max I. Silber Community Service Award from the United Way of Greater Nashua. Since 1988, this award has been presented to those who have demonstrated exemplary efforts in serving Greater Nashua. When he received this award he said that the fight for the poor and less fortunate had changed his life. In 2004, Adam was recognized by the City of Nashua with Resolution R-04-10 honoring him as a devoted and outstanding Nashua native.

After serving for 25 years on the Board of Directors of Harbor Homes Inc. and its affiliated agencies, Adam retired from his board position in March of 2007. He became involved with Harbor Homes and its affiliates in the early 1980s when the agency planned to build a residential site two doors from his home. Although he was initially concerned about the impact the program would have on his neighborhood, Adam became an ardent supporter of the homeless residents who ultimately became his neighbors. The Harbor Homes Buildings on Allds Street was named in his honor in 2007. Peter Kelleher, president and CEO, said “it is only fitting we name this building after Adam. His commitment to our organization motivates me every day and I am humbled by the countless hours that he has spent volunteering his time and expertise in support of our mission.” Adam had a strong conviction that the placement of the less fortunate into the community must continue and that hope must exist for these people as it does for every human being.

Sports also played a large part in Adam’s life. He and his wife were always seen at their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events throughout the country. Adam served on the Board of Directors for the first Bambino World Series in New England, which took place at Holman Stadium in 1988. He assisted and supported the William J. McGowan Memorial Tournament held in Nashua for many years. He supported the upgrading of Holman Stadium to bring professional baseball to Nashua. Adam supported many other youth athletic events in the city for over 30 years.

Adam gave so much of himself and what he had to his family and others and never asked why or for anything in return. He is leaving his children and family with so much to hold onto in his memory. We are all so proud and grateful to call him our Dad! We will miss him forever but are comforted in knowing he is dancing with his beloved wife Evelyn now and his suffering is over. He never complained. He was always so gracious and kind to everyone and everyone who met him adored him. Adam accomplished so much and asked for so little. He was such a gentle soul. His smile was so special and his blue eyes lit up the room. His life had meaning and a purpose. He genuinely cared about all people. He made a difference in a lot of people’s lives. This is what his lasting legacy will be. He and his wife Evelyn were the heart and soul of the Gureckis Family.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday December 30th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, Spring Street, Nashua, Wednesday December 31st at 9:30 a.m. All are invited to attend and are asked to gather at the church. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Adam’s name be made to Harbor Homes, 45 High Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com.