John Lewis Gdula

John L. Gdula, 86, of Bridgeport, OH., passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021 after a brief illness.

He was the son of the late Ignatz and Violet (Jendrusik) Gdula. He was born August 30, 1934, in Midway, OH.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Frank Paul, Frank Carl, Joseph and Edward. Also, his son-in-law Timothy Wiater.

John was a devout Catholic by faith. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bridgeport, OH. John had been a member of the Knights of Columbus since June 1956 - 65 years the very month and year when the Council was started. In addition to being one of the Council’s longest serving members, John was also one of the last charter members of Council #4243.

He retired from Consolidated Coal Company, Cadiz, OH., and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was a member of the former Bridgeport Fraternal Order of Eagles,  a current member of the Foresters Club #115 in Bridgeport and a lifetime member of the Fairport Polish Club. 

John was extremely proud of his Polish heritage. He served as president of the Polish National Alliance (PNA) Maynard Lodge #455 for 31 years. He always loved a good polka dance and was rarely seen without his Polish eagle. He enjoyed listening to Sunday morning polkas and was a member of local and national polka organizations. 

Some of John’s hobbies included working out on the farm, caring for his garden, taking care of his yard and watching the deer walk through his orchard at promptly 5:00 pm every evening.

John was a proud family man, being survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ann Marie (Gazdik) Gdula of Bridgeport, OH. John is also survived by his children, Annette Wiater of Bridgeport, OH.,  Barbara (Kevin) Adams of Richfield, OH., and John (Christina) Gdula of North Ridgeville, OH; three grandchildren Annie (Bill) Johnson of Stow, OH., Luke Wiater and Matthew Gdula; great-grandchild Abigail Johnson.  Survived by a brother Stanley Gdula and sisters Dorothy Jagaczewski and Patricia Busack; many nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends will be received on Friday, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Road, Bridgeport, OH. A vigil service will be held on Friday at 2:00 pm and the PNA will have a prayer service at 3:00 pm.  A K of C rosary service will be held at 6:00 pm. Funeral liturgy with Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 28th at 10 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bridgeport, OH., with the Rev. John Mucha, Rev. Timothy Shannon and Rev. Thomas Marut. Interment in Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville, OH. 

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Memorial Donation or to the John and Ann Marie Gdula scholarship fund for Maynard PNA Lodge #455.

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