Mladen Gjakovski

WEBSTER - MLADEN (BORIS) GJAKOVSKI of Worcester/Webster passed away on Wednesday June 4, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. 

MLADEN was born in Krklino (Bitola), North Macedonia (former Yugoslavia). The eldest son of BORIS and IVANA’s four children, MLADEN would learn his greatest lessons in life in this little village known for its arid land and fine grapes. Guided by his parents, MLADEN tended the farm animals, worked the fields, and prepared the crops. It was hard work. It wasn’t long before the local village school teacher recognized MLADEN’S potential and with encouragement from his proud parents, he zealously pursued his academic studies. He excelled in all subjects, most notably chemistry, writing and the arts. He graduated from the Pedagoshka Academia in Bitola, North Macedonia where he earned his teaching degree. He taught high school for several years and then went on to complete his required military service for Yugoslavia. 

While on a high school class excursion, he would meet JELICA, his one great love. The connection was immediate and the bond would carry them across continents. In 1968, JELICA and her family were granted visas to come to America. For years, MLADEN and JELICA corresponded by love letter, sharing their hearts and experiences, yearning to be together. In 1971, with only a few dollars in his pocket and a dream, he said goodbye to his family and set off to America to join his love JELICA. They married on June 20, 1971. 

After arriving in America, MLADEN began to learn English and got his driver’s license. He worked alongside fellow immigrants, other family members and friends at Table Talk Pies in Worcester. In 1972, MLADEN and JELICA welcomed their only child, a baby girl, SONJA. During this time, MLADEN befriended a co-worker who encouraged him to register for college. MLADEN would go on to graduate from Worcester State College in 1975 with a degree in Chemistry and English while continuing to work full-time to support his family.

 After graduating, MLADEN’S career began as a technician at Astra Pharmaceutical in Worcester. After several years, he became an Analytical Chemist at Koch Membrane Systems, Wilmington for 15 years; then a Scientist at Macrochem in Lexington, where he worked on an experimental topical ointment before ending his career at AbbVie Laboratories in Worcester, where he participated in the creation of Humira. 

Along the way, MLADEN formed lifelong friendships and close bonds - from students and teacher colleagues to military officers, fellow scientists and co-workers. He was especially close with his Macedonian ex-patriots. 

With all of MLADEN’s achievements, his greatest joy and proudest moments were always with that of his daughter, SONJA. At every milestone, MLADEN was by SONJA’s side, cheering her on as she excelled in school, graduating from college and then, becoming an Attorney. He loved her and she loved him - Their deep bond would help them navigate the devastating loss of their beloved JELICA in 1997. 

MLADEN’s joy only grew more when SONJA met and found her love with JAMES. He welcomed JAMES as a son into his family with love and respect. He so enjoyed spending time with them both, telling his stories, teaching them and sharing laughs. MLADEN looked forward to summers with JAMES and SONJA from beach trips to boat rides, great food and conversation. Whether enjoying an occasional lobster roll or a fresh barbeque, it all went better while sharing a bottle of good wine, a fine cognac or ice cold honey whiskey. He truly loved these moments. 

MLADEN had a great mind – he was a soulful writer, a creative artist and painter. MLADEN was known to be a storyteller. He always had an interesting story to relate to any experience. He was fiercely loyal and passionate about his beliefs. Political or otherwise, he always fought the good fight, and rooted for the underdog. A strong supporter of the American dream, he became an American citizen in 1982. MLADEN had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor and warm smile. He loved spending time with family and friends, sharing good food and good drink and great laughs.

 MLADEN was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed both playing and watching tennis and Futbol - from Grand Slams to ‘Soccer Saturday.’ He was a faithful Boston Celtics fan and was overjoyed to watch a live Celtic game at the Garden. 

MLADEN is survived by his daughter, SONJA GJAKOVSKI PISARCZYK and son-in-law, JAMES, his brothers-in-law BLAGOJ GORGIEVSKI, PAJO PAPIC and sister-in-law, MARIJA GJAKOVSKI, many nieces and nephews including EMIL PAPIC, MARIJA, BORIS and JOVICA GJAKOVSKI and NICHOLAS, MICHAEL, JOVAN GORGIEVSKI and ELIZABETH (GORGIEVSKI) MCCARTHY as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister RAJNA (RADA) PAPIC and brothers VANCO and SREBRE, mother-in-law, JELENA GORGIEVSKA, brothers-in-law TOMA and MICHAJLO GORGIEVSKI, and sister-in-law, DIVNA GORGIEVSKI. 

SONJA and JAMES would like to thank the devoted Nurses, Doctors and staff in the ICU of St. Vincent’s Hospital; the crew of the UMASS Med Life Flight as well as the ICU staff at Tufts University Med Center for their heroic medical efforts. All were unwavering in their professionalism and dedication to provide MLADEN the best medical care. Our gratitude is profound.

MLADEN’s funeral service will be on Thursday, June 12th, at 11am at St Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 35 Lake Parkway, Webster. Burial to immediately follow at Hope Cemetery in Worcester. Calling hours are Wednesday, June 11th from 5pm to 7pm at St Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Webster. In lieu of flowers, donations in MLADEN’s memory may be made to the St. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church or UMASS Med Life Flight.