John Gerard Gadowski died peacefully at Massachusetts General Hospital on July 1. He was 69.

Grumpa, as he was lovingly called, was born on March 15, 1949 in Cambridge. He grew up in Charlestown until moving to Martha’s Vineyard in 1969.

He was a landscape contractor and former owner of Middletown Nursery and Garden Center. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed his boat Two Sisters and even when he could no longer captain her, spent countless hours sitting near the dock with his buddies at the Lagoon and Tashmoo. Grumpa was a truly special person with a notoriously stubborn personality. He was also a wise and insightful storyteller with an impeccable memory.

John is survived by his beloved granddaughters, Jennelle and Jaidah Gadowski of Northborough; his youngest brother Daniel Gadowski, his wife Louise, and their children Marisha and Evan of Quincy; and his ex-wife Jennie (Leventritt) Gadowski of Northborough. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary (Monagle) Gadowski; his brothers Edward and Thomas Gadowski; his daughter Victoria (Tori) Gadowski, and his canine companion Justice.

Countless friends and family will remember him with love, most especially his guardian angel Garrison Vieira and his longtime friend Billy Black.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Polly Hill Arboretum, 809 State Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575 or The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, P.O. Box 2101, Edgartown, MA 02539.