Honor Mission
Edward J. Gaida
US Army
WWII and Korean War Veteran
Fonda, NY - 05/06/2024
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of Edward J. Gaida has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Edward passed at the age of 98.
Born in Stillwater, NY, he remained in the area and helped work 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.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in Ed's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
05/06/2024 at 10:30am
Staging Location:
St. Cecilia's Catholic Church
26 Broadway
Fonda, NY 12068
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Paul Orzolek
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
Staging at the church with a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. Funeral service scheduled for 11:00 am, followed by interment with military honors at St. Cecilia's Cemetery, 140 Boshart Rd, Fonda, NY 12068.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 05/05; MER
