Waltham Police Officer Charlie Gryska Passes Away

WALTHAM, MA — A Waltham Police officer diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year passed away Friday, the police department confirmed. He was the father of three young children.

"Today, the men and women of the Waltham Police Department mourn the loss of our brother, Officer Charlie Gryska," police said in a statement, describing him as a great friend, husband, and father. "We will always remember Charlie’s infectious smile, cheerful attitude, and outgoing personality."

In February Gryska went to the hospital because he had a headache and blurry vision. A day later, everything changed for him.

The doctors told him he had an aggressive brain tumor and set him on a vigorous radiation and medication treatment schedule.

In March, neighbors and strangers alike across the city started rallying to support Gryska and his family, setting up a fund for hospital bills and family needs. The city and local businesses also held fundraisers to help him and his family. Just three weeks after a friend reached out to the community to pull together a GoFundMe campaign for the family, more than 1,600 people raised $193,519. As of Saturday the fund has raised $206, 940.

The 33-year-old father of three young children and husband to his college sweetheart Jackie went through multiple surgeries.

Gryska joined the department in 2015, after graduating from the academy in Reading.

Previously:

Waltham Rallies For Police Officer, Dad Fighting Cancer - Patch

Have a memory or photo you took of Charlie? Send it to Patch reporter Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com.