John Raymond Gazda

John Raymond Gazda was born to John and Susan (Simko) Gazda in Hazleton, Pennsylvania on April 13, 1927, and passed away peacefully after a long, healthy life on October 4, 2015, at the age of 88. He served in the US Army in World War II, having been drafted out of his senior year at Hazleton High School. Upon his return home from the War, he entered the retail business in Hazleton. He met the love of his life, Ann Calinoski, also of Hazleton, PA. They married on June 17, 1951. Together they had three sons, David, Peter, and Michael.

His job took the family to Wilmington, Delaware and several cities on Long Island, New York. After nearly twenty years, they returned to their hometown of Hazleton, where John eventually retired as an inventory/parts supervisor. John and Ann were inseparable. They were active members of their Parish of St. Francis of Assisi in West Hazleton. They loved spending time with their sons, friends, and extended family. They enjoyed dancing and just being together. They were devoted grandparents, cherishing each child. They loved babysitting and attending the dance recitals and sports events of their local grandchildren, and spending special time visiting their out of state grandchildren. When Ann developed cancer, John was her sole caregiver, and was with her till her last moments. After Ann passed away on December 18, 1994, John took a more active role at St. Francis, attending daily mass and serving as a lector. He also took up bowling and served as president of the Hazleton Area Slovac club.

In 2008, he moved to San Antonio, Texas to reside with his son Peter, his wife, and their ten children. John liked to joke that he had become a cowboy when he moved to Texas. He jumped right in at St. Matthew Parish, continuing to lector, becoming a Eucharistic minister, and helping lead the Rosary after 8:15 daily mass. He was known for his deep booming voice and his dapper shirts and ties, taking great pride in both. At home, his grandchildren would gather in his room to watch old movies and have snacks. John stayed very active, regularly attending the Jewish Community Center to work out and have lunch with friends. John was always so cheerful and made friends wherever he went. He loved life and loved people, but always, for the last 19 years of his life, he also missed his wife and best friend of forty-three years, Ann. John's devotion to his Catholic faith was an inspiration to his family and friends. He loved to say his prayers and watch EWTN, a visible example of true faith and love of Christ and His Blessed Mother. He is already dearly missed, but his examples of faith, diligence, cheerfulness, and perseverance will live on in those who knew him. A mass of Resurrection will be held in San Antonio, TX, and burial will take place at a later date in Pennsylvania next to his beloved Bride of 43 years, Ann.

John was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents John and Susan,and his sister Anna Geba. He is survived by his sister, Mary Surmick, of Maryland and brother Larry Gazda, of Connecticut; his three son: David Gazda of Peninsula, Ohio; Peter Gazda and wife Sandy of Cibolo, Texas; and Michael Gazda and wife Milissa of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania; and his twelve grandchildren: Ryan Gazda, Carissa Gazda, Sarah Gazda, Katie Gazda, Emily Castet and husband Nicolas, Matthew Gazda and wife Christina, Andrew Gazda, Daniel Gazda, Natalie Gazda, Christine Gazda, Mary Therese Gazda, and Jonathan Gazda.

ROSARY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015

9:30 A.M.

ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH

10703 WURZBACH RD.

MASS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015

10:00 A.M.

ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH