Jeffrey Gustinis

Jeffrey Miles Gustinis was a strong family man who had an adventurous spirit, a jolly attitude and a heart of gold. Though quick to make an impression on people, he didn’t focus attention on himself. Instead, he tried and succeeded in making life good for those around him.

Jeffrey was born October 31, 1957 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the sixth of Francis and Doris (Brewer) Gustinis’ seven children. With a 20-year age difference from oldest to youngest, Jeff’s mom was very busy with children at home, while his dad supported the family driving truck.

Living on Pine Street in the city’s northwest side, Jeff enjoyed a childhood packed with family fun and adventure. He was a Boy Scout, served as an altar boy at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, swam at Lincoln Park Pool, bowled at Clique Lanes, and spent endless hours riding his bike, playing baseball or cowboys and Indians with his younger nephews. With his family, Jeff went on picnics at Long Lake fishing together, and spent a memorable weekend at Croton Dam. They always celebrated the holidays with extended family, enjoying Christmas parties gathered at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, to which their mother was a member. The joy of family was strong in Jeff and remained with him throughout his life.

One misadventure in Jeff’s young life would become a tale his family would tell for years to come. Wanting to light the pilot on the stove, he lit the burner instead and singed off his eyebrows. However, Jeff was usually very responsible, especially toward his younger sister, Jennifer. He looked out for her—like making sure she was okay when they went swimming—and proved to be a fine big brother.

Jeff attended West Middle School and then Union High School, but he was eager to get on with life and joined the Army in 1974 at age 17. While stationed in Hawaii (Squadron 25) for three years, he earned his high school diploma, and his mother had the pleasure of visiting him there. Jeff developed hands-on skills like woodworking and mechanics. He had already learned a lot from his brother-in-law, Ed Miller, during the many hours they spent fixing things together.

When Jeff returned from Hawaii, he flew to the mainland and boarded a Greyhound bus from California to Michigan. Back in Grand Rapids, he worked various jobs from working at the Kelvinator assembly plant to working as a city photographer, and he took a few classes at Community College. Over time, Jeff became an installer with Quality Air Heating and Cooling and was a HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) service technician. He was a member of the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades Local Union 174, beginning 1994. He was a highly respected Boiler Mechanic/Journeyman for Johnson Controls, Inc of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jeff knew his craft and was proud to be a union brother.

As a young man, Jeff had married and was blessed with three children: Nicholas was born in 1981, Ashley in 1983, and Samantha in 1986. His kids called him “father,” Paw, or Daddy, and they learned valuable life lessons from him. For one, treat others like you want to be treated (The Golden Rule), and second, never lie, cheat or steal.

Jeff was always supportive of his children. He never missed one of their sporting events and liked to spend time in outdoor activities, especially making sure they went out as a family to cut down their own Christmas tree. On one outing, Jeff and Nicholas went fishing on Father’s Day. With one of Nick’s casts, he caught Jeff in the back of the head with his hook. It was serious enough to visit the emergency room, but not so troubling that they stopped fishing together. Although Jeff’s marriage ended in divorce after 17 years, he was always proud of his kids and was thrilled with their accomplishments.

Some of the “kid” in Jeff never left him in adulthood. For example, he never passed up a stop at a Dairy Queen for a favorite treat of strawberry ice cream or a banana split. He lived out his love for motorcycles, taking them on the road or restoring vintage Harley Davidson bikes, including his 1966 Harley Grand Rapids Police bike and a 1964 Harley Panhead. The adventure of riding had it's risks as well as thrills. Jeff was involved in a bike accident on July 4, 2004. He was riding past a tree that was struck by lightning. He was hit when the tree fell on him. Fortunately, Jeff jumped off the bike in time, and escaped with only minor injuries. Jeff’s free-spirit was also evident in his taste in music; it ranged from BB King blues to Lynyrd Skynyrd rock. Like the lyrics of his favorite Skynyrd song, “Free Bird,” Jeff was very independent. However, one fateful phone call led to a relationship that put a lot of order in his life while still encouraging his spontaneity.

In 1996, Jeff took a call from his work answering service, and the operator, Maria Ujvari, recognized his name. She had lived in his neighborhood, but the two of them had lost touch over the years. They began reminiscing and Jeff ended up asking Maria out. Their first date was at Pietro’s restaurant and later they went line dancing at Swamp Fox. The two not only “hit it off,” they quickly fell in love and were married on Valentine’s Day 1997. Friends joined them at Silver Bells in Jamestown, Michigan, and Jeff’s kids were in the wedding. Fittingly, the couple honeymooned in Las Vegas, and the adventure of life continued.

Together, Jeff and Maria were active in family and community life. They supported the March of Dimes in the fight against birth defects and infant mortality after they lost two grandchildren due to premature birth. They donated a bike which is to be customized and auctioned at a raffle for the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies in September 2009. In this way, their attention to children was a natural extension of Jeff’s love for his other grandkids. He just adored them. Jeff spent as much time with them as he could, and their faces lit up whenever they saw their “papa.”

Called “Gus” or “Gussy” by his friends, Jeff was known as the “go to” guy, generous with his time and talents. Things were never about him—he was always looking out for the other guy. At the same time, Jeff liked to play practical jokes. But because he was hard to read, no one could be totally sure if he was fooling or serious. That stern exterior really housed a soft core.

Recently, Jeff purchased a 2009 Harley Low-Rider for Maria’s 50th birthday. She and Jeff wanted to put some miles on the new engine over Memorial weekend, so they took a trip to Pioneer, Ohio, returning home safely. Then on Memorial Day ‘09, they were traveling to a family BBQ on 100th Street, when an unlicensed driver made an illegal U-turn in front of them. Jeff had no time to avert impact, and his bike hit the car, causing severe injury to Jeff. The first car to stop was driven by a volunteer firefighter, who quickly dispatched fire and aero med units.

Jeff spent several weeks in the hospital, suffering from head injuries and internal bleeding. He never truly regained consciousness and died on Father’s Day 2009. A wonderful father to his children, a superb grandpa to his grandchildren who loved him dearly, and a beloved husband to his wife and soul mate, Jeff will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Full of life and love, Jeff remains in the hearts of many who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jeffrey Miles Gustinis, age 51 of Grand Rapids, went home to our Lord on June 21, 2009. He is preceded in death by his father, Francis August Gustinis, and two infant grandchildren, Orien Allen and Kadence Marie. Jeffrey is survived by his wife of 12 years, Maria (nee Ujvari); children, Nicholas (Amber) Gustinis, Ashley Gustinis and Samantha Gustinis; three grandchildren, Xachery Miles, Paeten Marie and newborn Hunter Allen Miles; his mother, Doris Gustinis; siblings Patricia (Ed) Miller, Susan (Donald) Rosendall, Janey (Dennis) Bunn, Tim Gustinis, Greg Gustinis and Jennifer (Jeff) Travis; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Ujvari; brother-in-law, John Ujvari and sister-in-law, Beth (Tom) Sanford; a large family of nieces, nephews and cousins and many lifelong friends. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 156 Valley NW. Friends may meet his family from 2-4 and 6-8 on Wednesday and Thursday, with a Vigil service at 7 PM on Thursday, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the March of Dimes-Bikers for Babies. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory or photo of Jeff or to sign the guestbook prior to coming to the funeral home.