Eternal Memory: +Very Rev. Protopresbyter John Gido
Saturday, November 27, 2021
JOHNSTOWN, PA - [Diocesan Chancery] -- With profound sadness the Diocesan Chancery announces that Protopresbyter John Gido reposed in the Lord on November 25, 2021 after a brief illness at the age of 93.
Fr. John was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on July 12, 1928, and passed to eternal life on November 25, 2021. Preceding him in death was his beloved wife of 50 years Pani Pauline Kesselak Gido, parents, John E. and Mary A Magdinec Gido, and parents-in-law Andrew and Kathryn Kohan Kesselak, Senior. Surviving is his son John, daughter-in-law Tammy, grandchildren Jacob and Sarah, and daughter Mary, sister-in-law Catherine and husband Nick Timko, in addition to numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Father John received his elementary and secondary education in the Erie County Public schools, graduating from Erie East High School in 1946. He attended Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, New York and attended Christ the Savior Seminary in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, becoming a member of its first class of seminarians. Upon graduation, he married the former Pauline Kesselak of Johnstown, Pennsylvania on September 25, 1954.
Father John was the first seminarian to be ordained by the late Metropolitan Orestes, of thrice-blessed memory, in the newly consecrated Christ the Savior Cathedral in Johnstown on October 3, 1954. Over his 67 years of service as priest of the Diocese Fr. John faithfully served two parishes of the Diocese, St. John's Church in Hawk Run, PA from 1954- 1960, and St. John The Baptist Church in Ambridge Pa from 1960 until his retirement in 2006. He also untiringly served the Diocese in many capacities including Dean of the Pittsburgh Deanery. He also served on the executive board of the Pittsburgh Area Orthodox Clergy Association and the local Interfaith Clergy Association.
Father John was what one might describe as a "priest's priest" who discerned his priestly vocation at a young and was dedicated to his faith and his church. He truly loved his fellow priests, his parish members, and his family, and was dedicated to them during his lifetime.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Friends will be received Monday November 29, 2021, from 3:00pm until time of Funeral Service for a priest at 7:00pm, at St. John The Baptist Church, 450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge, PA.
The Funeral Liturgy will take place on Tuesday November 30,2021 at 10:00am. Komashna immediately following at the Parish Center. Interment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Erie, PA.
May Almighty God grant Eternal Rest in Blessed Repose to His newly-departed servant, the Protopresbyer John, who has fallen asleep, in the Heavenly Mansions, where there is neither sickness, sorrow or pain, but Life Everlasting, and make his memory to be eternal! Vicnaja jemu pamjat!