Martin Gaudiose

Martin M. Gaudiose, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away August 30th, 2012 at Menno Haven where he resided. He was born August 14, 1920 in Crabtree, PA, the youngest of ten children of the late Michael and Maria Chill Gaudiose. He grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from East High School in 1938. He was a 3-sport athlete, and a member of the outstanding East High teams of 1937-38 that were ranked #1 in the State for football, and made the State championships in basketball and baseball. He was inducted into the East High Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements.

After high school, he joined the Civilian Conversation Corps, and worked in the beautiful Bitterroot wilderness near Darby, Montana.

In 1941, he enlisted in the Army, and served in the 1st Army in European theater attaining the rank of 1st Sergeant. He participated in the invasion of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of Buchenwald. For his services in WWII, he earned 5 European campaign ribbons.

After WWII, he pursued a career in education, obtaining his BS from Youngstown State University, his MS from Westminster College, and additional graduate work at Kent State University.

His career began at Farmington High School, where he was head baseball, basketball, and track coach, leading baseball and basketball to the State playoffs. In 1950, he joined the Struthers Ohio School System as a teacher and coach. In 1956, he was appointed elementary principal, and served at Highland, Sexton, and finally Fifth Street School, and retired in 1983 after 37 years in education.

During his career, he was education director for Mahoning County Head Start, Director of Title 1 summer reading program, and Director Mahoning County Reading Association. He was chairman of the Mahoning County UNICEF Campaign and President of the Tri-County Principals Association. In 1978, he was chosen as Tri-County Educator of the Year, and in 1978, honored in Columbus as the Ohio PTA Educator of the Year. He and his wife Betty were active members of the St. Christine’s Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Bette) O’Linn Gaudiose. He is survived by three children, Dr. Michael Gaudiose and wife Pam of Chambersburg PA, Martin and wife Patti of Columbus OH, Brian and wife Dianne of Richmond VA, seven grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Through many years, he was an avid runner wearing a path around the fields at Walter Scholl Recreation Area in Youngstown for the rest of us to follow. In his later years, he was dedicated to prayer and helping us see an even better Path to follow.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday September 8th at 11:00 AM Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Chambersburg. There will be visiting hours at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home in Youngstown Ohio Sunday Sept 9th from 2-4 PM. The Burial service will be held Monday Sept 10th at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Menno Haven Benevolent Fund or St Christine adopt a student, 3125 South Schenley Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44511, and Starr Commonwealth, 13725 Starr Commonwealth Drive, Albion, Michigan 49224. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg.