Perry W. Gaddis, Sr.
Hopwood
Perry W. Gaddis Sr., 76, of Hopwood, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
He was born August 27, 1949 in Uniontown, the son of the late John R. Gaddis Sr. and Mary Alice Cosgrove Gaddis.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Roseann Loretti Gaddis; his sisters, Dorothy “Dottie” Loukota and Mary Alice Newcomer; and beloved baby brother, John R. “Bugger” Gaddis Jr.
He is survived by his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Gursky; brother-in-law, Ed Gursky; son, Perry W. Gaddis Jr.; stepson, Edward E. Ziots and daughter-in-law Maria Ziots. Surviving nieces and nephews include: Tricia Rohlf (Michael), Kathy Raymond (Dominic), Kimberly Clay, Freda Hanley (Chad), Jeffrey Gaddis, Jackie Gaddis, Jerry Newcomer, Michelle Newcomer; and sister-in-law, Nancy Gaddis. He is also survived by daughter- in-law, Shannon Gaddis; and grandchildren, Hudson, Ivy and Finley Gaddis.
Perry was a member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown.
He was a graduate of Laurel Highlands High School Class of 1967 and California University of Pennsylvania Class of 1972.
He was an elementary school teacher for 33 years, teaching sixth grade at Kennedy Elementary and fifth grade at Hutchinson Elementary. At Hutchinson, his fifth grade teaching counterpart was Mr. Brent Watson and the two of them raised the bar for fifth grade students by making learning fun and guiding many students for their future.
Mr. Gaddis grew up in Hopwood, raised on a strong work ethic, family first mentality, and love from his parents and siblings. While working on the Gaddis Cleaning Truck, growing gardens in the yard, and understanding business from his father, he learned many life lessons that have been passed along to his son and grandkids. Growing up in Hopwood, he spent lots of time with his brother, Bugger, and Don and Dale Franz of their self-proclaimed “Hopwood Gang” and playing baseball at Bailey Park. In high school, he played football and ran track at Laurel Highlands. He always told stories about his football teammates, Ray Yauger, Bill Buehner Jr., Pat Healey and Teddy Muzika. Also, during his collegiate years at California State College, he was in the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity and enjoyed the camaraderie of his AKL brothers including his best buddy, Danny Vidovich.
He loved sports throughout his life with fandom for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, along with his love for Penn State, West Virginia and, of course, the Laurel Highlands Mustangs.
During his younger professional career, he was also a member of the Uniontown Striders club and competitively competed in five marathons, missing a qualification time for the Boston Marathon by near minutes. He was known for his fun-loving sense of humor, big heart and love for all his family and friends. He will be missed by so many people, and we ask you to please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Visitation will be held in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, Hopwood, from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 4. Additional visitation will be held Monday, January 5, from 9 until prayers of transfer at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be held privately.