David Alan Gmyrek, 65, of Middlefield, CT, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Midstate Hospital surrounded by his loving family after losing a hard-fought battle to a brief illness. He was born October 29, 1960, in Passaic, NJ, to the late Fred and Marie (Saks) Gmyrek.

David is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Janet Gmyrek, daughters, Sara Gmyrek (husband Troy Perlowitz) of Middletown, Caroline Gmyrek of Middlefield, brothers Mark Gmyrek, Glenn Gmyrek (wife Robyn) of Franklin Lakes, NJ, and sister Joanne Tibaldo (husband Domenick) of Nutley, NJ, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Garfield, NJ, David was a well-rounded student, excelling in both academics and athletics. He was a part of the Garfield High School Varsity Basketball, Football, and Tennis teams. He valued his friends and always spent his free time outdoors playing touch football, street hockey, and handball, among many more. He would drive two hours back home after he moved to play pickup basketball with a small group, which has since grown into a local community activity enjoyed by many to this day. Always described by his peers as smart, dependable, and hardworking, he was an above-average student, especially in math and science. He always had the mind of an engineer, even in his youth, and liked to take apart cars to fix them again with his father and brother. It didn't matter what they did—David simply loved being around the people he cared about.

David graduated from Garfield High School in 1978 and went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology. After college, David worked at Shulton Co. where he met the love of his life. Described as one of the best employees ever hired by the owner of a liquor store when he was younger, David's unwavering work ethic and dedication followed him into his adult life. He was a loyal Chemical Engineer and Plant Manager at Roehm America for 42 years where he inspired those around him with his kindness, intelligence, and selfless attitude. David cared deeply for his coworkers and always advocated for everyone. He even went as far as declining a salary raise to ensure the jobs of some employees who were in jeopardy of being laid off, which inspired others to do the same. During his career, he was recognized for saving the life of a fellow worker.

David was the epitome of altruistic. His love for helping and serving others was always consistent in his life. David served his community and church through his wisdom and culinary skills. After helping his father in the kitchen at his church growing up, David went on to become a loyal communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Parish where he worked their food booth at the Durham Fair for many years. He took pride in continuing his father's legacy as a talented baker with his holiday butter cookies and helped lead Mercy High School's Annual Charity Pie Baking event for fifteen years. He was always doing for others and often described teaching his fourth-grade CCD classes as the highlight of his week.

Anyone who knew David would describe him as a devoted family man. He loved attending all field trips, ceremonies, and performances for his daughters and always put his family first. He spent his downtime coaching Little League, tending to his flower garden, and watching all sports, especially his favorite New York teams. David adored his wife and would always find ways to remind her of that. Whether it was leaving little notes, buying her flowers, or calling just to say I love you, Janet was truly the light of his life to all who knew him. He loved the beach and would consider Emerald Isle, NC, a second home if he could. Those were some of his most cherished moments with family. He was a music enthusiast—even for his daughters' favorites like Taylor Swift and One Direction—but specifically loved Bruce Springsteen. He was truly happiest when spending time with his three girls and did anything he could to make them feel loved and supported.

David's strength and bravery, not only during his battle with his illness, but all throughout his life, is something that will live on in all of those who knew him. His compassion, humility, and courage touched the lives of many and will continue to do so even after his passing.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, December 22nd at 11 a.m. at St. Colman Church in Middlefield. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 21st from 2 to 5 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown. Those who wish may send memorial contributions in David's memory to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com .

Live Stream of David's Mass Instructions:

1.  Go to our website, ourladyofmercyparish.org

2.  Scroll down the Home page to "Church Schedules"

3.  Click on "Live Stream Here" under St. Colman Church Schedule

This will bring you to our YouTube

4.  Click on the Mass scheduled for December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM - Funeral for David Gmyrek.

This Mass will not show up until Monday morning when Fr Jan schedules it, but once it is scheduled it should be the first in the line up.