Joseph “Little Joe” L. Gajdowski, age 96, former resident of 22317 N. Mosiertown Road, Saegertown, PA, passed away at Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown on Sunday, November 2, 2014. Born on February 3, 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio, Joseph was a son of the late Jozef and Mary Kalina Gajdowski. He married the former Casimiera Lond September 25, 1943 and she preceded him in death on September 22, 2005.
At the age of four, Joseph, with his parents and three brothers moved to Rytwiany, Poland and in 1938 Joseph returned to Cleveland, Ohio where he worked at U.S. Aluminum Company until 1950. In 1951, he purchased a dairy farm in Mosiertown operating it until 1987 when he sold the cattle and began crop farming until his retirement in 2005. Joseph was active in Cussewago Township serving as a judge of elections and as a Supervisor of the township for one term.
Preceding Joseph in death in addition to his parents and wife are seven brothers – Edward, Kazimer, Sczepan, Henry, Tadeusz, Jan, and Walter. Surviving Joseph are four children – Joseph H. Gajdowski and his wife, Mary Lou; Barbara Gajdowski; Thomas Gajdowski and his wife, Kris; and Marianne Foriska and her husband, Albert. Also surviving are his grandchildren – Anastasia Olson and her husband, Rob; Joseph M. Gajdowski and his wife Kathleen; Christina Gajdowski; Adam Gajdowski; Garrett Armagost; Kathryn Gajdowski; Matthew Foriska and his wife, Donna; Kurt Foriska; and Neil Foriska and his wife, Malissa; ten great grandchildren; and two brothers – Stanley Gajdowski and Kazimer Gajdowski, both of Poland, Europe.
Joseph was proud of his Polish heritage. He enjoyed playing cards and listening to Polka music. Sincere thanks is given to Anna Courtney, nurse aide at Crawford County Care Center who took special care of Joe.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Wednesday, November 5th from 2-4 and 7-9. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Phillip’s Catholic Church in Crossingville on Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. Father Philip Oriole, pastor of the Church, will be Celebrant. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Crawford County Care Center Activities, 20881 State Highway #198, Saegertown, PA 16433 or to Asera Care Hospice, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505.
My deepest sympathies in your time of grief.
Nothing can be said to ease your pain but try to take comfort in the fact that he’s in a better place.
My Prayers and sympathy to the whole family! I have many memories of “Little Joe” “down the road a piece” and when we are in the area and go past the old farmhouse, I remember him and Casey with a smile on my face. So sorry for your loss, but know that he and your mother are together again and watching over and smiling at their family. Hugs to you all.
Suzi