Jerome Anthony Zawadzki

Jerome Anthony Zawadzki
ZAWADZKI, JEROME ANTHONY Age 59, of San Diego, CA died November 30, 2014, after a 5-year battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme). Jerome is survived by his wife, Doris Grotkopp, and children, Marianne, Lukas, Marlena, and Tristian of San Diego. He is also survived by his parents, Jim and Marianne Zawadzki, sister, Laura, brothers, Nick and Jeff, all of San Diego, brother, Chris of Conyers, GA; sister, Angela of Woodstock, Canada; brother, Andrew of Albuquerque, NM; wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews; and many other relatives and good friends throughout the country.
Jerome was born April 16, 1955, in Chicopee, MA. His dad served in the Air Force and in the early years Jerome's family also lived in Bangor, ME; Bermuda; and Portsmouth, NH. In 1968, his dad's assignment to Cannon AFB, brought the family to Clovis, NM. Jerome graduated from Clovis High School in 1973 and attended Eastern New Mexico University from 1973 to 1977. He moved to Albuquerque in 1977 intending to finish his degree at UNM and to find work in some area of biology research. Not finding work in a research lab, Jerome volunteered his services at a UNM cancer research lab until they eventually hired him.
It was there that Jerome was introduced to the concepts of flow cytometry and cell sorting, which led to a distinguished 35-year career in biotechnology research and industry. In 1981, Jerome left Albuquerque to follow career opportunities in Denver, CO; Boston, MA; and Princeton, NJ. In 1984, Jerome met Doris in Boston, they married in 1987 and started their family. In 1998, a career opportunity took Jerome and his family to San Diego. In 2004, Jerome was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He endured many painful treatments and in 2009 this cancer was considered in remission. In July 2009, he was diagnosed with GBM and told he had a year to live. Jerome battled his cancer with courage and lived his life to the fullest no matter the effects of cancer treatments. In December 2013, Jerome ended his professional career with retirement from Becton Dickinson Biosciences.
Jerome was truly a special person. He was a wine enthusiast, fantastic chef, avid gardener, and lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. He loved the Southwest, and in particular New Mexico, where he made many good and lasting friendships, first formed in high school and college. Roasting and cleaning Hatch green chili was an annual ritual in his household. He collected Southwestern rugs, paintings, jewelry, and was particularly fond of Native American pottery. Jerome had an independent mind and heartfelt nature. He was a thoughtful person and could surprise you with his opinions, which were usually very well thought out and convincing.
When he wanted to, he could be the most charming and charismatic person. He was always ready with a smile and hearty laugh and treated everyone with the utmost respect. He was stubborn, quick to anger, but quicker to forgive. His modus operendi was always to "kill them with kindness." He was a blessing to all he encountered.
Jerome requested he be cremated and his ashes scattered at favorite locations in both San Diego and New Mexico.
Two celebrations of life are planned, one for late January in San Diego and another for late May in Albuquerque.
A special Facebook page has been established under Jerome's name to receive condolences and to post your favorite memory or photo.