Peter Gaidon

Peter Raymond Gaidon, 89, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, following complications from pneumonia.

Born on May 4, 1936, in New York City, Peter was the beloved son of Peter and Germana Gaidon. He grew up in North Merrick, Long Island, and graduated from Mepham High School, where he wrestled and first developed a passion for bodybuilding.

Peter had a wide range of interests throughout his life. He enjoyed playing the flute, ballroom dancing, and collecting stamps and coins. A devoted New York sports fan, he grew up cheering for the Brooklyn Dodgers and later embraced the Yankees after the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. In the 1970s, he delighted in taking his nephews to Islanders and Nets games at the Nassau Coliseum.

He attended Hofstra University and Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, earning his degree in Chemical Engineering. Peter proudly served his country during the Vietnam War era, stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. His military service led to a distinguished 30-plus-year career as a civil servant with the Department of Defense, ultimately serving as a high-level executive at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

For the past five years, Peter resided at Atria Bethlehem, where he cherished the companionship of his older sister and next-door neighbor, Inez Veschi, as well as the many friendships he formed within the community.

Family was at the center of Peter's life. He held deep love for his relatives and especially treasured the time spent with his nephews, whom he loved as if they were his own children.

Peter was predeceased by several close family members, including his parents, his brother-in-law Reno Veschi, his nephew Joseph Veschi, and the love of his life, Nancy Notaro.

He is survived by his sister, Inez Veschi; his nephews John Veschi (Joanne), Mike Veschi (Gina), and Dave Veschi (Diane); nine grand-nephews and nieces - Vincent Veschi, Nicholas Veschi, Stephen Veschi, Christina Veschi, Catherine Volmer, Johnny Veschi, Caroline Veschi, Anthony Veschi, and Thomas Veschi - and four great-grand-nephews and nieces - Luca, Margot, Stella, and Joseph.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 10-11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18018 with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 100 Chapel Hill Rd., Red Bank, NJ 07701 at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers, https://t2t.org/donate/ in memory of Peter.

Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.