Obituary of David Andrew Gazda

Smethport - David Andrew Gazda, 68, of Smethport, passed away Friday (January 4, 2019) in UPMC-Cole, Coudersport, PA.

He was born Oct 21, 1950 in Sewickley, a son of Andrew James and Helen Plevel Gazda, who were from Ambridge, PA.

Mr. Gazda was a 1968 graduate of Ambridge Area High School. He served in the U.S Air Force from 1968 to 1972 during Vietnam.

David worked at Armco Steel of Ambridge, PA until 1982.  He then started his own business as Gazda Bros. Construction with his brother Paul.  He then moved to Smethport in 1987 and continued to do construction work as Hammer & Nail Construction with his partner Gerry Ford.

He enjoyed shooting, hunting and helping others when he could.  He was a great teacher and father that would pass down any knowledge he had.  He was a member of the NRA and the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, PA.

He is survived by:

One daughter: Christine (Bruce) Burdick of Smethport

One son: David J. (Jodie) Gazda of Harmony, PA

Grandchildren: Derrick (Lindsay) Lathrop, Lyndsy Gazda and Heather Gazda

Step grandchildren: Emily (Lucas) Rihely, Allison (Jon) Nottingham, and Andrew Leonard

Great grandchildren: Ashlyn, Aaron, and Anderson Lathrop, Claire, Luca and Lia Rihely

Three sisters:  Karen Wolf of Baden, PA, Judy (John) Hronas of Freedom, PA, and Nancy (Scott) Burdick of East Smethport

And many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Gazda.

Visitation will be held on Thursday (Jan. 10, 2019) from 1-4 PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA, where a memorial service will begin at 4 PM in the funeral home with the Rev. Allen Young, pastor of the East Smethport United Christian Church, officiating.  Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby and Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)

P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS  66675-8516 or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.