Jeffrey (Jeff) Gustave Czyzewski
December 10, 1963 – August 30, 2025
Jeffrey (Jeff) Gustave Czyzewski, 61, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, passed away at home on August 30, 2025.
Born on December 10, 1963, in Washington Township, New Jersey, Jeff was the son of Walter and Audrey (née Pieroni) Czyzewski. The youngest of three, he grew up in New Jersey and attended St. Joseph’s High School in Montvale. In 1982, he moved with his parents to Orlando to open Ski’s Fresh Fish, where he learned from his father the foundations of entrepreneurship. Jeff later moved to Gainesville to attend Santa Fe Community College. In 1988, he made Ponte Vedra Beach his home.
In August 1995, Jeff met the love of his life, Jennifer Gwaltney. They married in October 1997 and, in 2000, welcomed their greatest joy—their son, Jeffrey Gray. Jeff’s devotion to his family was unwavering, always offering his insight, wisdom, and, most of all, encouragement.
Jeff had a big smile and a contagious laugh. Genuine, with a personality larger than life, he was the heart of every gathering. Family and friends meant everything to him; he was a generous friend with an uncanny ability to connect with just about anyone. He was a fantastic cook who loved to entertain; he often hosted dinner parties and family Sunday night dinners. Being a gifted conversationalist, Jeff always had a great story to tell; his presence made gatherings all the more lively. He enjoyed family days spent at the beach, snow skiing, scuba diving, and, most of all, offshore fishing. A passionate traveler, his career, along with his hobbies, allowed him to see the world, exploring the United States, Europe, Central and South America. His most cherished journey was a family trip to South Africa. Jeff’s motto was always, “Work while you play; play while you work.” Now retired, he was looking forward to even more travel and new adventures with his loved ones.
Jeff was the hardest worker one could ever meet—a natural-born entrepreneur who always had a million and one ideas. His entrepreneurial career began in the late 80s when he opened Ski’s Custom Tile. For many years, he ran tile crews throughout Ponte Vedra Beach and the greater Jacksonville area. In 1999, Jeff expanded his vision by founding J&J Imports and Fabrication, which, for nearly 25 years, imported and installed beautiful stone countertops across Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and the Southeast. During this time, Jeff fostered lasting relationships with many loyal employees who became like family to him and Jennifer. Never one to slow down, Jeff also pursued his passion for real estate, purchasing properties he saw as great opportunities and built homes on many of them. Through every venture, Jeff poured in his creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and vision.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Audrey Czyzewski; his brother, Ronald Czyzewski; and his beloved aunts and uncles, Clair Lee(Richard), Ronald Pieroni( Jeannie) and Leo Czyzewski(Ann).
Jeff is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 28 years, Jennifer Gwaltney Czyzewski; his son, Jeffrey Gray; his sister, Robin Sheffler; his dear aunt Genevieve Harvel; his nephew Richard Sheffler; his niece Christine Swartzentruber and her husband Brandon, and their daughter Ellie; and his mother-in-law Peggy Cross. He will be deeply missed by cousins, extended family, and many longtime friends who affectionately knew him as “Ski.”
Jeff will be remembered for the love he shared, the laughter he sparked, his entrepreneurial drive, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. As one dear friend described him, “He was a grown man with a funny, jovial kid’s personality mixed with a tad of mischievousness.” His legacy lives on in the family he so deeply treasured.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 27th at Valley Smoke Restaurant, 11 South Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach. Join the family from 12:00-2:00 p.m. to share stories and celebrate the life Jeff lived. The family will have a private burial. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org , in memory of Jeff Czyzewski with acknowledgement sent to 300 Three Island Ct, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl 32082.
