Jackson "Jackie" D. Gateman

Jackie was the devoted husband of the late Enid Gateman. Together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2018—wonderful, exciting and interesting years.

Born to Francis and Louis Gateman, Jackie was the beloved brother of Shirley (Carl) Keselman and the late Sammy Gateman.

He leaves behind his loving children, Lori and Michael Gajewski, and William and Jodi Gateman. He was the proud grandfather of Brian and Allison Gajewski, Bradley and Emma Gajewski, Brendan Gajewski, Matthew and Nicole Gateman, Nicolette, Tyler and Taylor Gateman. He was also blessed with cherished great-grandchildren Brooke, Ben, Grace, Aubrey, and Maisie Gajewski.

For more than 70 years, Jackie was a visionary entrepreneur whose restaurants, nightclubs, and hospitality businesses became gathering places for generations of friends, families, and loyal customers. While he built many successful businesses, his true passion was people. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone he had just met, Jackie made you feel special.

Jackie possessed a rare gift for making every person he encountered feel like the most important person in the room—from lifelong friends and loyal customers to business leaders and politicians. Whether he was telling one of his legendary stories, cracking jokes, putting on a show, offering heartfelt advice, or simply lighting up the room with his unforgettable smile, Jackie had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. He left a lasting impression on every person he met. Ask anyone who knew Jackie about the first time they met him, and they will almost certainly have a story to tell. That was simply who Jackie was—someone whose personality, humor, generosity, and larger-than-life presence could never be forgotten. His laughter was contagious, his stories were unforgettable, and his presence could fill any room. Even on an ordinary day, Jackie had a way of making life feel like a celebration.

Known for speaking his mind and never having a filter, Jackie lived life unapologetically and entirely on his own terms. He was truly one of a kind. While the word "legend" is often overused, it perfectly describes the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

Nothing mattered more to Jackie than his family. He treasured every conversation with his children and grandchildren and made it a point to stay connected with them every day. Many mornings began with a 7:00 a.m. phone call to discuss a new business idea, followed by several more throughout the day—sometimes to share another idea, other times simply to check in and see how everyone was doing. No matter how busy life became, everyone knew to answer when Jackie called. Whether it was to pitch his latest business idea, tell a joke, or simply say "I love you," those conversations became some of life’s greatest gifts. Today, those daily phone calls are what his family will miss most.

Anyone fortunate enough to spend time with Jackie knew they had met someone truly special. His generosity, humor, wisdom, and larger-than-life personality will be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A funeral service celebrating Jackie’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel in Salem, followed by burial at Pride of Lynn Cemetery.

Shiva will be held at 100 Phillips Beach Avenue, Swampscott, on Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jackie’s name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Jackie’s remarkable life by sharing the crazy stories and memories of the man who meant so much to so many.

There are people who are successful, there are people who are unforgettable, and then there are people like Jackie Gateman. He lived life larger than most, loved more deeply than many, and made everyone fortunate enough to know him feel like family. His stories will continue to be told, his laughter will continue to echo through those who loved him, and his legacy will live on in every life he touched. There will never be another Jackie Gateman.