Born
February 14, 1934 in Washington County, Pennsylvania, D. Jack Gaido, Sr.
called Washington his home for most of his life. Jack was the second-born son
of naturalized Italian parents, Samuel and Katherine Piacenza Gaido. His early
childhood and adolescence were spent in Meadowlands where he learned the basics
of business and the importance of compassion from his father, the owner/operator
of a general store, “Gaido Brothers Groceries.” His mother, Katherine, was a
born entrepreneur and a determined individual with an innate sense for
business. Jack spent his childhood as did many young boys in the 1940s; playing
baseball and football, fishing and helping in the PX. The sights, sounds and
smells of the old store remained vivid in his memory for his entire life. His
children and grandchildren would often hear stories of his old adventures in and
around the PX and Meadowlands.
Meadowlands in the 1940s was not a place of affluence, but rather a village for
the local coal miners, farmers and mill workers. Jack’s father, along with
his three uncles, came to the United States from northwestern Italy to start a
small business, a family grocery store. They started with little
and
built the family business into a healthy and thriving general store, bakery and
butchery. Remembered are stories of customers coming to the store to buy
their bread, meat, medicine, house paint, firearms and dynamite, all in one
place.
Jack was educated in the family business and learned about the ethic of hard work and the importance of honesty and courage through his parents and their local church. His father and mother were founding members and contributors to the creation of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Meadowlands.
Jack received his First Holy Communion, the rites of Confirmation and the sacrament of Marriage through this church. His commitment and dedication to his spiritual beliefs and this church continued to his last days. Jack believed that one grows stronger and more spiritually enlightened through community service and self sacrifice. Throughout his life his service was, not only to his family, but also to the church, local community, and his many friends.
Jack attended elementary school in Meadowlands (this school closed in the early 1970s). Jack graduated from Chartiers-Houston High School, class of 1951. He was active in sports primarily football, and also found importance in the social clubs of the day. His love of the game of football remained strong throughout his life. He found great joy in watching the Pittsburgh Steelers play on Sunday afternoons. He admired the hard-working running backs and the hard-hitting linebackers of years gone-by. He often used his football heroes (Rocky Blier and Jack Lambert) as examples of how hard work was necessary for success.
After
high school and against his parent’s wishes, Jack enlisted in the United States
Air Force. Jack served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was
stationed in the Philippines. Jack believed in his country and had a deep
sense of patriotism and honor. Through his words and actions he inspired
in his family and close friends the necessity of dignity, honesty, commitment,
and humility. He understood the value of hard work and frugality, never
allowing desire and want to be confused with what was practical and financially
obtainable. He taught basic old-fashioned finance: “Do not live above your
means.” “Spend less than you earn.” “Invest in the future of your
country.”
After honorably
completing his tour of duty in the military (1957), Jack returned to Meadowlands
and the family business where he worked while attending Devrie Tech/Penn Tech.
Jack graduated in 1959 with an Associates degree in Computer Technology. Jack
married Geraldine Lorraine Craig in 1958 and the couple raised a large family of
six. They lived outside of Washington County for only a short period during the
early years of their marriage. Jack earned a career as a computer technician
for RCA and the Unisys Corporation of Pittsburgh. He was also a self-taught
financial planner and real estate investor.
Jack believed strongly in the value of a good post-secondary education, which this Endowment attempts to help others obtain. Jack recognized the need for his children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to pursue university studies, should they so choose. He encouraged and helped all his children find post-secondary education and careers in Nursing, Teaching, Finance, Theology, Engineering, and the Arts. Without his support, encouragement, and discipline, his children possibly would never have attended post-secondary education. His family hopes that the worthy recipients of this award find inspiration and value in these memories and the legacy D. Jack Gaido left behind.
Honor virutis preamium. Dominus vobiscum
(Honor is the reward of virtue, The Lord be with you)