Kirk Ladzinski, 52

GEORGETOWN - Kirk Ladzinski of Georgetown passed away Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, in Baltimore, after an extended illness. He was 52.

He was a gifted guitarist and carpenter by trade.

Mr. Ladzinski graduated from Edgewood High School in Abingdon, Md., and became the lead guitarist in a popular local band, Crossblood Experience, which recorded two hit singles, "Bag of Tricks" and "Orange Sunshine," which were premiered on "The Kirby Scott Show," a musical television and dance program, and WJZ-TV in Baltimore.

Mr. Ladzinski's musical career was abruptly cut short after a debilitating automobile accident in his young adulthood. Yet he continued to play guitar to the best of his capabilities and applauded his fellow band members as they became studio musicians in the greater Baltimore area.

Mr. Ladzinski loved rock 'n' roll, particularly The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

He was a dog lover and grieved the loss of his beloved Irish Setter, Baron, whose companionship brought Mr. Ladzinski great comfort and peace.

His friends knew him as a connoisseur of National Bohemian, aka Nat'l-Bo, an artisan beer well known with pride to his fellow Baltimoreans.

He was preceded in death by his loving and very proud Polish-American grandparents, Beatrice and Milton Zellinski of Abingdon; as well as his maternal grandmother, Anna Akerley of Baltimore.

He is survived by his loving and thoughtful mother, Jean Gohde; sister, Karen Ladzinski, both of Tallahassee, Fla.; his sister, Michelle Ladzinski of Georgetown and her twin brother, Michael Ladzinski of Sarasota, Fla.; his three beautiful children, Tatum, Todd and Tara Ladzinski of Baltimore; nieces, Danielle and Lorraine Ladzinski of Georgetown; nieces, Georgia and Nora Stahl of Tallahassee, Fla.; nephews, Mike Ladzinski of Sarasota; and his grandchildren in Abingdon.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Mr. Ladzinski's memory at a later date in Tallahassee.

His family and friends wish him Godspeed.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.