Dr. Richard R. Gacek

Dr. Richard R. Gacek, a revered figure in the medical community and a beacon of wisdom and passion, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Notre Dame Healthcare, Worcester, MA. Born on February 23, 1930, in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Michael and Helen Gacek, Dr. Gacek lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his faith, and the field of medicine, and his love for the University of Notre Dame.

After receiving a full scholarship offer from the Notre Dame Club of Buffalo, Dr. Gacek embarked on his academic journey at the University of Notre Dame, IN, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree while graduating magna cum laude. His time at Notre Dame was incredibly formative as it deepened his faith, friendships and love of learning. Dr. Gacek stated that attending Notre Dame absolutely changed his life and receiving the scholarship was the most influential moment in determining his path in life.

His pursuit of medical excellence led him to the State University of New York, Buffalo, where he obtained his Medical Degree. He honed his skills through an internship at Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, where he met the love of his life, Elaine Klein. After the internship, he completed a Research Fellowship at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. During his fellowship, his service to his country was exemplified by his tenure as Lt. Gacek in the U.S. Navy. And, more importantly, he married Elaine during this period. After the completion of his Research Fellowship, he started his residency at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, and completed his residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.

Dr. Gacek's professional life was distinguished by his roles as an incredible teacher, researcher, innovator and leader. He published numerous research articles and books and focused much of his time on understanding and treating Meniere’s disease. His research has provided a deep legacy to the medical community, and his reputation as an engaging and wise lecturer made him a sought-after speaker across the world. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, and he held leadership positions in a multitude of professional committees and societies supporting his field. Dr. Gacek was a member of the prestigious international Collegium Oto-Rhino-Laryngolcium Amicitae Sacrum, and he served with distinction as past President of the Triological Society and the American Otological Society, where his passion for otolaryngology was evident to all who worked with him.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Gacek was an Associate Surgeon at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston and an Associate Professor in Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School. After Harvard, Dr. Gacek became Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at UMass Medical School followed by Professor and Chairman at SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse, NY, Chief of Otolaryngology. He then was a Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of South Alabama, Mobile followed by his last stop as a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His commitment to education and leadership was demonstrated by a professional career that lasted almost seventy years. He published his last book, Meniere’s Disease: Myth and Reality in 2020 at the age of ninety.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Gacek was a man of deep faith and a devoted Catholic, who cherished the time spent with his beloved wife, Elaine C. (Klein) Gacek. Elaine was the love of his life, and they embarked on a wonderful journey of over sixty-six years together. Elaine would always bring a smile to his face. They enjoyed traveling the world together as part of Richard’s professional obligations, and they loved spending time together in Cape Cod, where they had a residence for fifty years. In addition to Elaine, Richard is survived by his loving children, Mary J. Carroll and her husband Donal of Brighton, Dr. Mark R. Gacek and his wife Pamela of Mobile, AL, Richard R. Gacek, Jr. and his partner Doug Hudak of New Hope, PA, and Catherine A. DeVoe and her husband David of Westport, CT. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael Gacek and his wife Brooke, Marissa Sellers and her husband Todd, Peter Gacek and his wife Kaitlin, Mark Gacek, Jr., Elena DeVoe, Sydney DeVoe, and Paige DeVoe. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Gacek, his sister Adeline Petrowski, and his granddaughter, the dearly remembered Cassandra Gacek.

Dr. Richard R. Gacek's life was a testament to the power of dedication, the importance of family, and the pursuit of knowledge. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence for generations to come. His passing is a profound loss to all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

Services are under the direction of James Buma of the Buma Funeral Homes in Northbridge, Milford, and Uxbridge, with visiting hours and funeral Mass in Worcester, as follows:

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 5 - 7 PM in the Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 10 AM in the Chapel of Notre Dame du Lac, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester. There will be a visiting hour from 9 AM - 9:45 AM prior to the funeral Mass at the Chapel of Notre Dame du Lac.

Following the Mass, family and friends are welcome to a luncheon at Sonoma Restaurant, Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation Street, Worcester.

Private burial will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Harwich.

Following the burial in Harwich, family and friends are welcome to a luncheon at 12 Noon at the Allen Harbor Yacht Club Restaurant, 371 Lower County Road, Harwich Port.

Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York, NY 10018.