Robert J. Gaudio

Robert J. Gaudio, Sr., 81, passed away suddenly on Saturday morning, February 23, 2019 at his home in Drums.

Robert was born in Hazleton on March 8, 1937.   He was the son of the late Carmen and Josephine (Mazzoni) Gaudio and lived the past eleven years in Drums after residing in Conyngham and Hazleton.

Robert graduated from MMI Preparatory School.  He received a bachelor of arts degree from King’s College and a master’s degree from the University of Scranton. 

Robert taught in the Hazleton Area School District for over 30 years and retired in 1993.  He was a member of St. John Bosco Roman Catholic Church.  The consummate English teacher, he relished correcting the spelling and grammar of all that he read and heard.  His advice: “If you can’t spell it, don’t use it.”   Robert had an amazing memory and astonishing capacity for detail.  He could recall the names of his students from his earliest days of teaching as well as those of their siblings, parents, and extended family members.

Robert enjoyed model railroading, heavy equipment, reading, and chocolate.  He recognized the value and beauty of music, first as an accomplished accordionist during high school and college, then as a supportive father and grandfather, and always as a concert goer.  His family and friends knew not to call or visit weeknights during Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.  Robert was particularly proud of teaching his grandson how to drive in the CAN DO parking lot - when his grandson was twelve years old. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and son Robert J. Gaudio, Jr.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Janet (Zanolini) Gaudio; two daughters, Lisa and her husband Jeff Schwedock, Manhattan Beach, California and Barbara and her husband Mark Taylor, Slippery Rock; three grandchildren, Julia Schwedock, Daniel Schwedock, and Luke Taylor; brother, Dr. John C. Gaudio and his wife Jane, Kingston; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, February 28 at 10:00 am at St. John Bosco Roman Catholic Church, Sugarloaf.  Friends may call at the Church on Thursday starting at 9:00 am.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.  Harman Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 669 West Butler Drive, Drums is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations in memory of Robert can be made to the Valley Food Pantry or St. John Bosco Roman Catholic Church, PO Box 919, Conyngham, PA 18219.

Online condolences may be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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