Born 02/26/1939 - Passed 3/31/2021. Gus (as he preferred to be called), was born to Gustave & Justine Czerwonajcio in Havana (La Habana), Cuba. His parents were originally from Poland & they met & married in Cuba. In 1949, the family migrated to the United States, including Gus' brother, Joseph (Joe). They lived in Bridgeport, CT. After the boys became of age, they followed the family steps by becoming U. S. citizens, and shortening their name from Czerwonajcio, to Cherwon. The 2 boys had an early start on being bilingual (Spanish & English) by having attended St. George's School, a British School in Havana. It was a great sight, their first look at snow at Christmas of 1949 in Connecticut.
In Bridgeport, Gus graduated in 1953 from Zion Lutheran School (LCMS). He went on to Central High School, where he played football & was President of The Musical Organizations in his senior year. He graduated from Central in 1957. That same year he was also president of Zion Lutheran Church's youth group (Walther League), as well as president of a National Award winning Junior Achievement company. He attended The University of Bridgeport, where he was a charter member of his fraternity (IDPi).Later on, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and was on active duty in Fort Dix, NJ and Fort Eustis, VA. - Assigned to the "Trefoil Patch" of US ARMY 13th Corps - 158th Transportation Company - Pilgrim Division.
His first sales job was with Moore Business Forms. In 1966 he decided to change jobs and wound up with Dansk Designs Ltd. as District Manager for the State of Ohio. Five years later (1971), Gus became a "travelling salesman" covering 6 states for Gerber Legendary Blades (dining & hunting/fishing cutlery). While he enjoyed the Gerber position, he became tired of seemingly, always being on the road. So, he changed 6 states for 2.5, and joined Sigma Marketing, in 1976, covering Ohio, Michigan & Western Pennsylvania. In 1978, he decided to go out on his own as a manufacturer's representative (an independent contractor in sales). He remained in the field (Food Preparation - Food Presentation), otherwise known as: China, Crystal, Flatware, Cooking, Gourmet, Serveware, Selective Giftware, etc. To higher level Department Stores, Jewelers, Specialty Stores, and Gourmet Stores. Within 2 years, he incorporated and hired 2 sub-reps to handle the smaller accounts, while he concentrated on the "majors", all under the banner of Gus Cherwon & Company, Inc.
Aside from work, Gus met the love of his life and Carolyn (nee Lones) & Gus were married in 1980. At first, they lived in Detroit. In 1985, they decided to build their "dream Home" in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the 16th fairway of Ann Arbor Country Club. In 1989, Gus was elected President of AACC. Gus sold his business to a fellow "rep" in 2000 & retired "full time" in 2003. Carolyn & Gus had fallen in love with the Hilton Head, South Carolina area while on vacations there. The Ann Arbor house was then sold and they took up residence in Bluffton, SC, where they have been joyfully happy since then.
Gus is survived by his wife (also, buddy, consultant, best friend) Carolyn, his brother Joe and his wife Phyllis , in Connecticut; a sister in law, Jerry in Minnesota, niece, nephew, grand-nieces & nephew, as well as Pepper & Maxwell, two highly intelligent - highly spoiled canines.
A memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 10th, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 351 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910
There will be no viewing as Gus donated his body to MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) for teaching and/or research. Sadly this was not possible because of the pandemic. Gus was cremated.
It's been a great ride. I look forward to what happens next. The Spiritual, "It Is Well With My Soul" applies.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to honor Gus:
Volunteers in Medicine, P.O. Box 23858 , Hilton Head Island, SC 29925
Volunteers in Medicine, P.O. Box 2653, Bluffton, SC 29910
Family Promise of Beaufort County, 181 Bluffton Rd., D101, Bluffton, SC 29910
Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 2747, Bluffton, SC 29910
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