Obituary of Edward Gaida

Edward Gaida was born on February 13, 1926, in Stillwater, NY. He remained in the area and helped working his grandfather’s farm until heading off to World War II in 1944 where he was stationed in Italy as a truck driver and promoted to sergeant.  When Ed returned home, he worked locally until he re-enlisted in 1950 for the Korean War. There, Ed received the Bronze Star for heroic achievement. After his return from Korea, he purchased a farm in Charleston, NY. 

He went to work for General Electric in the 50s and 60s employed as a machinist and millwright and was proud to be a part of the St. Lawrence/FDR Hydroelectric Project on the St. Lawrence River. Ed was an amazing millwright/welder/rigger and was very mechanically inclined.

In the 70s Ed began his career in construction as a heavy equipment operator, mechanic, and welder. He worked between Cobleskill Stone, Lancaster Development, and Servidone Construction, and worked on many road projects in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, including the construction of Interstate I-88 and Alternate Rt. 7 in Latham. Even after retirement Ed was often brought in on difficult weld repairs.

Ed semi-retired in the late 80s and did a lot of traveling with his family across the US in the RV. Ed also worked the farm part-time throughout his life, raising pigs and cows and working the land.

Ed was predeceased by his first wife, Connie; his second wife, Ginny, and his daughter, Laura Gaida Channell. He is survived by his sons, David and Joseph; his daughter and her husband, Kim Gaida Sieber and Eric Sieber, and his son-in-law, Bob Channell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11am at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church with Fr. Juanito Asprec, 26 Broadway, Fonda, 12068. Burial will follow at St. Cecilias Cemetery, Fonda.

Ed’s care as been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fonda.

Online Condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com