Obituary of Joseph Michael Gayda

Lifelong Bridgeport Resident Joseph Michael Gayda, of Bridgeport, passed into eternal slumber in the company of his loving family at his home on Saturday June 27, 2009 at the age of 75. A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, Joseph was born on March 5, 1934, the son of George S. Gayda Sr. and Mary Kovach Gayda. Joe was a man known for a calm demeanor and gentle disposition which was felt by all those whose paths had crossed his own. His patient and kind personality was clear to anyone who happened to know him, from family to friends and strangers all the same. Joseph worked hard his whole life, leaving school at a young age to help support his parents and seven siblings, working at Connecticut Firebrick and Sikorsky Aircraft, before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps., as a transport and ambulance driver in Washington D.C. After returning home from military service, he held a number of jobs among which was a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance School, and foremost of which was at Remington Arms for 35 years and finally working at Home Depot for 15 years until very recently. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 38 years Rose L. Cannizzio Gayda, two sisters, Ann Gayda and Mary Kmetz, a brother, George Gayda Jr., and a son Frank J. Thomas. Joseph was eternally dedicated to his loving wife whose passing left him consumed by an inconsolable grief. His never ending love and affection for her was clear to all throughout their marriage and after her passing. Joe was devoted to his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all. Survivors include two brothers, William Gayda and his wife Sandy of Cheshire, Andrew Gayda and his wife Lynn of Seymour, a sister, Frances Saunders and her husband Kenneth of Beacon Falls, a son, John D. Cimmino and his wife, Karen of South Carolina, a very special daughter, Ann Marie Luna, who cared for him after the loss of her mother and in his final days, and her husband, Juan of Naugatuck, grandchildren, Kelli, Nina, Jamie, Danielle, Marnie and Dawn, granddaughter Melissa Luna and grandson Robert Lundequist, who shared a home with him and cared for him in his final days, three great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He also leaves special friends Anne Frederico and Michael and Pasqualina Guerrera. Funeral Information All those who hold a special place for him in their hearts may pay their last respects at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull on Tuesday June 30, 2009 from 4-8 pm. A prayer service will take place at 7:30 in the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 680 Bridgeport Ave Shelton, CT 06484.