Frances Pauline Gurdak

Frances Pauline (Greco) Gurdak of Tampa, Fla., died on February 21, 2023, at the age of 89, at her home after a short illness. Frances was born in Amsterdam, N.Y., on January 25, 1934, to Mary (Cavaliere) Greco and Samuel Greco. She graduated with honors from Wilbur. H Lynch High School in 1952. Frances had an incredible 56-year career at General Electric (GE). She started at GE as a Secretary and was promoted many times, eventually becoming an Executive Assistant and invaluable partner to all the business leaders she assisted. She began her career as a Secretary working in guided missiles and supporting a large group of engineers in Schenectady, N.Y. and then had the opportunity to move to Philadelphia, Penn. in 1955 with GE. However, her family always came first and when it was clear that her sister-in-law was dying of cancer, she moved back to Upstate New York to help raise her then seven-year-old niece.When Frances set her mind to something, she accomplished it and her career at GE was the perfect example of her determination. Her goal was to become a top-level Executive Assistant and she achieved this in the 1990s when she began working as an Executive Assistant at General Electric's Research Lab. Not only did Frances excel as an Executive Assistant, but she led many philanthropic programs such as annual holiday events for children in need. She also organized many of the company's holiday parties and functions.GE was a meaningful place for Frances, not only professionally, but also personally. It was where she met her husband and many lifelong friends. As one of the company's biggest advocates, she recruited many family members and anyone she thought worthy to work there. In 2006, Frances retired from General Electric after more than a half century of service. In 2008, she moved to Tampa, Fla.to care for her grandchildren. They became the center of her world, and she was extremely proud of them. She loved being so close to her daughter and son-in-law in Tampa, and still made sure to make frequent visits to her other daughter in Boston, Mass. where she became a confidante and advisor to her daughter's many friends and colleagues.Anyone who knew Frances recognized right away that she always had a great sense of style. She enjoyed hosting holidays and parties at her house where she welcomed family and friends always centered around an abundance of food and endless conversation. She was also truly ahead of her time, traveling globally at a young age. She was always looking for special deals to travel all over the world with her husband and family, as she loved learning about other cultures. Frances was also known as a fierce protector and advocate for her family, friends, and anyone she loved.Frances is survived by two daughters, Dorree Gurdak of Tampa, Fla., and Natalie (Gurdak) Lontchar of Tampa, Fla., her favorite son-in-law Mark Lontchar of Tampa, Fla. and her precious grandchildren Amelia and Graham Lontchar. Frances was predeceased by her one true love and husband Edward Gurdak who died in 2005. She was also predeceased by her three older brothers, Peter Greco, Anthony Greco, and Dominick Greco who she adored, and her loving niece Mary (Greco) Bacon.Calling hours for relatives and friends will be held 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2023, at DeStefano Funeral Home, 1414 State Highway Rt. 5-S, Amsterdam, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 13 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, with Father O. Robert DeMartinis as Celebrant. Burial will immediately follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Truax Road, Amsterdam, N.Y.The family welcomes flowers as well as donations made in Frances' name to: The City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305.De Stefano Funeral Home1414 State Highway Rt. 5-SAmsterdam, New York 12010(518) 843-2755FUNERAL HOME
Amsterdam1414 State Highway 5S
Amsterdam, NY 12010 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Frances, please visit our Tree Store.