Gary M. Kawczynski

Gary Kawczynski, a well-respected anesthesiologist at Highland Hospital, died Nov. 15. He was 62.

His death was sudden and occurred at home while he was surrounded by family.

Gary began working in the anesthesiology unit at Highland Hospital in 1993 on the recommendation of the head of the department after completing his residency at Strong Memorial Hospital. He graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1989.

He quickly found a home at the hospital, where he would spend his entire career.

Sincere, calm, and fun-loving, Gary had a way with people.

He was known for his impeccable bedside manner, always wanting to connect with his patients, earn their trust, and get to know them and their families. He also made sure that anyone he worked with felt welcome and appreciated.

Gary worked diligently at Highland Hospital for 35 years and retired in March of 2024. He was celebrated at a retirement party in the employee lounge that was attended by many people who loved working with him over the years.

Born in Amsterdam, New York, on Dec. 29, 1962, Gary was the youngest of two boys of Regina and Mack Kawczynski. His father worked for General Electric and his mother was a physical therapist at St.Mary's Hospital.

Their home was always full of laughter, holiday parties, and a constant stream of visiting family and friends.

As a boy, Gary was a straight-A student and played on multiple sports teams, his favorites being baseball and tennis.

He graduated from the University of Rochester summa cum laude in 1985 with a degree in biological sciences, specializing in cell and development, and went directly to medical school.

Gary was a collector at heart who never missed a chance to visit an antique store to add to his ever-expanding collection of oddities. He especially loved collecting antique hunting decoys, particularly hand-carved ducks, and dedicated an entire room in his home to his amazing collection.

He also had a passion for traveling, seeing the world and experiencing different cultures. His favorite places were all over the United States, like the Finger Lakes, New England, Hatteras Island in North Carolina, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Northern Michigan. Aruba was like a second home to Gary, who visited with his family almost every year.

Gary was also an amazing cook and griller, hosting gatherings and holiday parties for friends and family. He made sure to make enough food to feed a small army, ensuring that everyone could take some home. His most "famous" dish was his turkey soup that he made every Thanksgiving. He closely guarded his recipe, which is now in the hands of his daughter, Amy, who intends to carry on the
tradition.

Gary is predeceased by his mother and father, Regina and Mack Kawczynski, his beloved brother Mark Kawczynski, and his father-in-law Robert W. Mason.

He is survived by his cherished wife Donna and his daughter Amy, whom he adored; sister-in-law and nephew Nancy Ambridge-Kawczynski and Nick; mother-in-law Patricia Mason; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Diana and Robert Abeel, Robert F. Mason, Linda and Denton Clark, Deron Mason, Lori and Adam Marullo; niece and nephew-in-law Lauren and RJ Waite, and their children Zoey, Delilah, and Miles.

A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.