John Bernard Gaida, 89, passed into heaven to be with his Lord and Savior with his wife Marion at his side at First Health Moore Regional Hospital.
He was born July 2, 1934 in the small town of Stillwater, NY. He was the son of the late John and Jennie Anusesky Gaida. John was preceded in death by his sister Marie Gaida. John joined the Navy after high school serving during the Korean War. He attended Siena College and graduated from Hudson Valley Community College. It was shortly after that when he met Marion Catherine Clark, the woman who would be his wife of 60 years. Several years later he wanted to complete his 20 years, but the Navy Reserve did not have an opening. It was suggested he try the Coast Guard which was happy to have him. He served for 7 months during Desert Storm/Desert Shield at the age of 56. He retired on his 60th birthday.
John started his career in the paint business working for The Celanese Corp. He won a contest they ran and the prize was a four-day trip to the Kentucky Derby with box seats on the finish line. Less than a year later He was promoted to manager of the Syracuse territory. That move changed his life. He and his wife became avid fans of all Syracuse University sports, but their favorite was Lacrosse. They even traveled to England with the team. John worked for other paint companies, always advancing. He retired from the Muralo Paint Co. in 2000. John was an avid skier and instructor. He became a Certified Canadian Ski Instructor and a Certified Professional Ski Instructor of America. He was the Director of three ski schools and when he came to North Carolina he worked at Sugar Mountain as Chief Instructor. He also worked as a starter at the Country Club of North Carolina for 15 years. His other love was softball. He played first base and was the manager of the Hip ‘n Knee team that won the state championship.
He was an usher at Sacred Heart Church for 23 years. A Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Assoc., The Republican Men’s Club, and The Citizens on Patrol of Pinehurst.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 25 at Sacred Heart Church at 11am with Father John Forbes officiating. A private interment will take place at Pinelawn Cemetery later.
John is survived by his loving wife Marion Clark Gaida.
Donations in his honor may be sent to the Coalition for Human Care or your favorite charity.
Powell Funeral Home is serving the Gaida family.
Condolences online at pinesfunerals.com
