John Robert Gaydos

John Robert Gaydos, 92, of Center Twp., passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

He was born on September 3, 1932 in West Aliquippa, a son of the late John and Mary (Ivan) Gaydos.  John is a U.S. Army Veteran and served in the security agency in Europe.  Upon discharge from the Army, he spent a year touring Europe, since he loved to travel, before returning to the States.  He worked at J&L Steel/LTV for 44 years and he retired as a foreman in the electrical power house.  John’s hobbies included playing drums for several area dance bands in the tri-state area, including the Sonny Rich Quartet.  He also enjoyed racing cars, piloting small aircraft, scuba diving, and building models in his younger years. John was a faithful member of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church for many years.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Joanne Gaydos; a sister, Mary (Mickey) Karaffa; a brother, George (Ann) Gajdos; a grandson, Scott Hoffman; and a great grandson, Owen Kubis.

John is survived by four daughters and a son-in-law,  Karen Hoffman; Patty and Dave Withrow; Susan Gaydos; and Diane Melendez; Nine grandchildren, Michael Hoffman; Laura Kubis; Nicholas (Arlita) Withrow; Christina (Dakota) Ray; Sophia Withrow; Jessica Beatty; Joshua Beatty; Daniel (Stephanie) Melendez; and Carrie Melendez; great grandchildren, Rebecca (Mike) Motko; Peyton Kubis; Alex Kubis; Crimsyn, Lexa, Jasper and Damien Ray; Malachi Melendez; plus two more due in 2025.  He is also survived by a great-great grandchild, Myla Motko.

Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4pm in Darroch Cremation and Funeral Tributes, Inc., 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa www.darrochfuneralhome.com where a funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:30am.

Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

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