Obituary of David J. Grzyb

David J Grzyb, "Ref", Age 81, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife Geraldine "Gerri" by his side on April 16,2026. He lived a fulfilling life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran and friend to many. Born on April 28, 1944 to Bernice (Kuszewski) Duhamel, Ref was raised with love by her and his step-father, Lucien Duhamel. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School in 1962 and immediately enlisted. As a paratrooper in the US Army 101st Airborne, Ref was recognized for his outstanding performance, including during a classified mission in Southeast Asia. Following an honorable discharge, he enjoyed a 30- year career at New England Telephone as a lineman, where he made many lifelong friends. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 184 and was Grand Marshal of Webster Veterans' Day Parade in 2016. Ref was deeply honored to have served his country in the Vietnam War and proudly wore his endless supply of military apparel from t-shirts and hats to perfectly polished combat boots. In 1993, he and the love of his life, Gerri, were married and effortlessly blended their families. Together, they filled their lives with sporting activities, dance recitals, nights at the firepit, and time with friends. Ref loved vacationing in Maine, especially when he and Gerri were lucky enough to catch a performance by their favorite musician, Don Campbell, and celebrating those who fought for our freedom. In his day, Ref was never afraid to challenge himself, whether it was making over 300 skydiving jumps for fun or fearlessly off-roading in his LandCruiser and four wheeling with his kids and buddies. Survived by his wife Geraldine (Wade), his son Steven Grzyb and wife Shannon, daughter Jennifer Lebel and her husband Mike from Maine, and brother, R.J. (Cowboy) Gryb and his wife Suzanne. He also leaves daughter Robin Laurens-Lamarine, and her husband Peter, son-in-law Christopher Lindstrom and grandchildren Ryan, Christopher, Alec, Ingrid, Annaka, Eda, Caroline, Patrick, Ryhan, Justin as well as his goddaughter Chara Zukowski and her daughter Isabel. He was preceded in death by beloved daughter Dawn Lindstrom. Calling hours will be held at Bartel Funeral Home, 33 Schofield Ave, Dudley, MA on Friday April 24,2026 from 4:00 -6:00PM. with the Webster/Dudley Veterans offering Military Honors and prayers at 6 pm In lieu of flowers, a donation to Wounded Warriors Project in his memory would be appreciated