John Gajda

John F Gajda, 71, ended his journey on Earth on March 18th after a courageous battle fighting stomach cancer at his home and surrounded by family.

John started his journey in Bridgeport, CT on October 2, 1943. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1966 and University of Delaware in 1972 with a PhD in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi honor societies and AICHE. At University of Delaware he met his best friend, lifelong love and wife, Ildiko. They were married in 1968. They lived in Delaware for over 20 years where they raised two children, Christina and Peter. They joined the Baton Rouge, LA community in 1993. John worked for 35 years for ICI and at Rubicon as a process engineer. He loved singing in the choir. John sang for 16 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Wilmington, DE and for 22 years at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 8601.
An avid photographer and member of Professional Photographers of Louisiana, he was the official 'unofficial' photographer of many weddings, trips and outings over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Ildiko, his daughter Christina and her husband John Pereira of Marietta, GA and son Peter of Columbus, OH and three grandchildren Catherine, Annmarie and John Pereira.

He was predeceased by his parents John P. and Anne (nee Tarinelli).

Family request visitation hours be observed on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway. The rosary will be recited by the knights of Columbus at 7:00 pm. Visitation hours will resume on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Lane. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center PO Box 4464 Houston, TX 77210 or Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1000, Landover, MD 20785.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook, leave a personal note to the family or order flowers at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Service

Visitation

St. Patrick Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, March 26, 2015
9:00 am - 10:00 am

Mass of Christian Burial

St. Patrick Catholic Church
12424 Brogdon Lane
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, March 26, 2015
10:00 am