Born in Michigan in 1939 to the late Bernard and Janet Guzdial, Gene was a 1956 graduate of Fitzgerald High School in Warren. He worked in the auto industry for many years, which is where he met his wife Nancy. He was a parts and body shop manager in Michigan, and continued as a body shop manager when he moved to Tucker with Nancy in 1994. In his retirement, he volunteered at the Georgia Aquarium and worked part-time at the Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services. He was a long-time parishioner and usher at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Gene will be remembered for his humor and his generous nature. He volunteered his time often, from Cub Scouts and school groups when his sons were young, to church and neighborhood groups in his retirement. He was an avid gardener and lifelong Detroit Red Wings hockey fan. He loved music and played in multiple bands in his youth.
Gene will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Nancy, his children, Brian and Mark, and daughter-in-law Barbara. Gene was beloved by his grandchildren Matthew, Katherine, and Jennifer. Gene was preceded in death by both of his brothers, Stan and Bernie.
A mass in celebration of Gene’s life will be Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church (3773 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Atlanta, Georgia 30341). Following the service a lunch will be served at the church. www.holycrossatlanta.org.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at 1762 Clifton Rd NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322. We have complied with Gene’s wishes, and have donated his brain and spinal column to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Gene’s ashes will be interred in Michigan on Monday, October 1, 2018. A memorial gathering will be held on that day. Further details will follow.
