Dr. Roy Grzesiak PhD

Dr. Roy C. Grzesiak, PhD. passed away peacefully on March 9, 2022, at Songbird Pond in Plymouth, WI.  Roy was born on March 2, 1943, in Stevens Point, WI to Carl and Dorothy (Kurzewski) Grzesiak. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Robert Meves.

Graduating from Pacelli HS, Roy went on to serve as a medic in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1966. He remained in Texas to earn his BA and MA at St. Mary’s University and Doctor of Philosophy at Texas Tech University.  Once on the east coast, he attended New York University (NYU) for postdoctoral work specializing in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.

Roy began his clinical psychology practice in New York City and then moved to a private practice in Westfield, New Jersey. He continued his educational journey with specialized training in pain and trauma and was a leading expert in the field of PTSD and pain management. He was Board and Fellowship trained in Trauma and Forensic Psychology.

He was co-director and founder of the New Jerseys first multidisciplinary university-based pain -management program, as well as the nation’s first Forensic Burn Unit. Roy was also the author of 7 full medical textbooks, with three still being used today in medical schools. Roy authored over 70 peer reviewed journals and was an accomplished lecturer and educator, holding many positions to include Clinical Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry. He taught and mentored hundreds of medical students over his 45 years of practice and influenced the lives of many to include what he referred to as his “adopted granddaughter Abigail” who is completing her clinical training at NYU this semester, following in his footsteps. In his down time, Roy was an avid reader, loved golf, airplanes and adored spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his sister Gayle Meves (Sheboygan), his son, David Michael Grzesiak (Pennsylvania); his grandchildren, Katelyn Joy, and David Andrew (New Jersey); his special family Scott, Kelly, Nate, Zoe, and Finn Clark (New Jersey); his dear cousin Maxine Stark (Waupaca); friend and mentor Joe Gannon (New Jersey); and special friend of 34 years, Gary Stocco and his daughter Abigail (New Jersey).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donation in Roy’s name can be made to Bookworm Gardens, 1415 Campus Drive, Sheboygan WI 53081 or the Island Height Volunteer First Aid Squad PO Box 1027, Island Heights, NJ 08732.

A special thank you to all the employees at Songbird Pond and Allay Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.