Roger James Gaydos Sr.

Roger James Gaydos, Sr., 82, of McDonald, passed away unexpectedly, in his home on Saturday April 13, 2024, with his devoted wife Ellen by his side.

He was born on July 29, 1941, in Canonsburg, the son of the late John Gaydos, Jr. and Carmie Grassi Gaydos

Roger attended Immaculate Conception High School, where he met his wife Ellen Phillips who he married on November 14, 1964.

Mr. Gaydos proudly served in the US Army in Vietnam and Germany as military police advisor and tank commander in the armored cavalry.  He was honorably discharged  as a captain in 1969.

Roger graduated from W&J College and Duquesne University with a degree in Law in 1972.  He began his legal practice in Washington with Frank Carrol that same year and later moved his practice to Canonsburg in the 1990s, after a hiatus to take over the family business.

Roger became the second-generation owner of Gaydos Monument Company in Canonsburg in 1980.  In 1981 he moved to his farm in McDonald where he and Ellen made their home for the rest of his life.  Roger restarted his legal practice in Canonsburg in the 1990s.

Mr. Gaydos enjoyed helping the community through his practice in estate law and the oil & gas business and assisting those in need with memorials for their loved ones.

In his leisure time, Roger enjoyed taking care of the land with Ellen on their farm. Roger loved to laugh, hit golf balls, and play with his grandkids on the tractor.  He especially loved sugary treats. Left behind to cherish his memory in addition to his dear wife, are his beloved children Roger Jr. (Fiancée Louise Hall) of Canonsburg, Susan (Kristopher) King of Bellevue, Michael P (Tris Ann) of Upper St. Clair, John W. of Canonsburg, Matthew P. of Los Angles, Catherine E. (Brendan) McCarthy of Bethel Park and Mark D. (Rachel) of Robinson Twp. , his grandchildren, Micha S. ”Chief” Gaydos, Eleanorah “EJ”, Hannah and Margaret “Magnet” McCarthy and Anastasia “Peanut Bar” Gaydos, his siblings, Charlotte (Jay) Light, Deborah Keller, Jonathan (Lori) Gaydos, Laurence (Richard) Gaydos and Heather Gaydos and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday April 18, 2024, in SALANDRA FUNERAL and CREMATION SERVICES, INC. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor, 304 W Pike St, Canonsburg (724)745-8120 where departing prayers and eulogies will be recited beginning at 9:15 am Friday April 19, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am in St. Oscar Romero Parish St. Patrick Church 317 W Pike St, Canonsburg. Interment with full Military Honors by the VFW Post 191 of Canonsburg and the United States Army, will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Twp. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

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