Tribute Wall
Thursday
11
April
Visitation
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday, April 11, 2024
M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc.
934 New York Avenue
Huntington Station, New York, United States
Thursday
11
April
Funeral Service
1:00 pm
Thursday, April 11, 2024
M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc.
934 New York Avenue
Huntington Station, New York, United States
Final Resting Place
Huntington Rural Cemetery Association
555 New York Avenue
Huntington, New York, United States
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Anonymous planted 3 trees in memory of John Del Gaudio
Thursday, April 11, 2024
3 trees were planted in memory of
John Peter Del Gaudio
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With love and condolences, Luann and Rick
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Lizzie Gulick planted 5 trees in memory of John Del Gaudio
Friday, April 5, 2024
5 trees were planted in memory of
John Peter Del Gaudio
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In heartfelt remembrance of John with sincere condolences to Rachel and Mike. They dont make them any better than John. He will be truly missed.
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Just me posted a condolence
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Considering today you would have celebrated your birthday I find this memory most fitting. I forgot the age you turned but you thought I threw you a surprise party and so at every door you opened (in your best Ralph Cramden impression) you exclaimed OH, what a surprise! Sorry there was no large gathering rather just Patches, Brutus and myself. Happy heavenly birthday, John. XO
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Herb Boomhower posted a condolence
Thursday, April 18, 2024
John was my very good buddy. I always bought stuff from him at conventions, especially items about Donna Reed. After knowing each other for some years, John let me guard his treasures whenever there was a celebrity he wanted to meet and get a signed photo. John always said to come and visit him and Rachel in Fredericksburg. I wish I had. Thanks, John, for being a great friend. Sending love to Rachel and family. ❤️ from Herb Boomhower.
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Jack Hawkins lit a candle
Friday, April 12, 2024
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We would like to offer out heartfelt condolences on the loss of John. He used to visit my Dad, Jack Hawkins, at his business in Penfield, NY, which my father enjoyed so very much. His smile would light up the room when he walked through the door. His service to the police, fire, and all other agencies he was involved with will never be forgotten.
He will be missed by all. The National Wildlife Association has received a gift from us in his memory.
Jack Hawkins and Suzi Hawkins-Mance
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Jerry lit a candle
Friday, April 12, 2024
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I remember when John was born as I was a teenager living across the street, in Huntington at that time,and our families were close friends . . enjoying Bar-B-Qs together and late night conversation .. not to mention a lot of fun. My heart goes out to all the family and friends who will miss him.
Jerry Feinstein, West Palm Beach, FL
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of John Del Gaudio
Thursday, April 11, 2024
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Carol Radovich posted a condolence
Thursday, April 11, 2024
I met John at George Eastman House in 1998. We were both students in the first year film and video preservation program.
His humour, kindness, and patience were heaven sent for a Californian who was terrified of the snow. Learning John was a trooper, I brought many weather and driving concerns to John. I thought weather reports were saying "windshield factor when it was wind chill factor". A smile barely crossed John's face as he explained that my windshield was not going to explode at certain temperatures.
He loved films and memorabilia, cowboy culture, Halloween, and people.
He will be greatly missed.
Carol Radovich
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Stan Schagunn posted a condolence
Thursday, April 11, 2024
I met John at the Lone Pine Film Festival when I was on one of his tours. I immediately hit it off with him and his brother as we shared the same love for classic films. I was looking forward to seeing him in October. It won't be the same without him
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Jim Clarke posted a condolence
Thursday, April 11, 2024
John and I grew up together. We were next door neighbors. We played all sorts of sports for many years. He was a great friend and neighbor. We both loved New York sports teams, especially the Rangers. Very fond memories. I am not surprised he impacted the lives of so many. My condolences to Mike and the rest of his family.
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Stephen Gritzan posted a condolence
Thursday, April 11, 2024
I'm the owner of Record RIots, a network of vinyl record events that takes place in various locations during the year. Perhaps unknown to some, John was one of our vinyl record dealers at our Washington DC-area shows. I wrote this to our dealers yesterday in our newsletter:
ON A VERY SAD FREDERICK/FAIRFAX NOTE, Record Riots mourns the passing of dealer John Del Gaudio, who has succumed to a heart attack at the age of 66. I didn't know much about John, except that he was somewhat new to the record dealing game and always brought such an UPBEAT, FUN attitude to shows in Frederick, Fairfax and Woodbridge. None of us knew that he was a New York State trooper for 32 years or that he was from Long Island! As I brush back tears writing this, my heart goes out to his wife Rachel, family, co-workers and friends. John was planning on selling with us this Sunday in Fairfax. IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO SEE JOHN AND WE'LL ALL MISS HIM!
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Steve Meyer posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
I first met John when I joined the West Ridge Over 50 Softball Team. We immediately became friends. I can remember several times when after a game he would get in his Pontiac and drove for hours to see some girl. I thought he was crazy; then I met Rachel and I understood why he did. Eventually, the after game chicken wing talk turned to fishing. John said he had a fishing "camp" just north of Watertown, NY, and of course he invited me up there. Any one that was lucky enough to go there immediately fell in love with the place. It is a little piece of heaven! Man, the good times we had there! When he moved to Virginia, he gave us all a set of keys to the lake house, and said to treat it as our own, and go up whenever we wanted. That was just how generous and kind John was.
Steve Meyer
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Helen Feinstein Morris posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Hi,
Remember John, Michael and Delores well our parents were great friends. We lived @ 7 Hadland Drive, Huntington til my brother Jerry and I were married. I use to baby sit for Michael and John. Haven't seen them in years but I remember them both fondly!
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Dan Irland lit a candle
Monday, April 8, 2024
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I cannot think of a more caring, generous, happy go lucky, honest and good man than John. He will forever be in the hearts of everyone he came into contact with. He was a damn good trooper and an even better friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rachel, the long grey line in NY is with you. As are his friends alike. Rest in peace brother.
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Anthony Marini posted a condolence
Monday, April 8, 2024
Always a great friend to our family and community. Will always remember his laugh smile and interest I what was going on in my life.
You will be missed greatly.
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Charlie Bowers posted a condolence
Sunday, April 7, 2024
John and I were teammates his first year in NVSS (Northern Virginia Senior Softball) and a more pleasant and positive person I don't think I've ever known. Always ready with a kind word and a positive comment, John earned a league Sportsmanship Award and played on the Northern Virginia Force traveling tournament team for his age group, playing up and down the East Coast for the past several years. A terrific guy, I will miss him greatly. Charlie Bowers
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Rob Markowitz posted a condolence
Sunday, April 7, 2024
John was a great friend and great human being! I’ve known John since college. We met working at McDonald’s in Brockport. Later, we played softball together, worked together, and lived together for a few years. What a great time we had! Boy he loved Neil Young! He used to doodle on cards and send them to me for birthdays and holidays. He sure did love his chicken wings! I miss him and miss our friendship. Love you brother!
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Daniel O'Neill posted a condolence
Sunday, April 7, 2024
John was a great friend and encouragement to me. He will be missed by all of us who knew him. I will sense his kind and generous spirit as I roam the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, California where he gave tours of movie filming locations.
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Valerie posted a condolence
Sunday, April 7, 2024
I just want to say John reminded me of George Bailey. They both had a "Wonderful Life". and both were the richest men in town, but in John's case every town he visited. He was respected and loved by everyone he met. God be with his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you Mike, Dot, Lisa, Denise and Rachel.
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David Lithgow posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, April 7, 2024
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David Lithgow Posted Apr 7, 2024 at 12:04 PM
I only played softball with John briefly before I recognized that he was a gifted "human whisperer" .... He was a kind, authentic and patient student of this world that I admired for his ability to convey to others like myself that they were special and important. Thank you John Del Gaudio. RIP.
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Lise Danner posted a condolence
Saturday, April 6, 2024
John and I were kindergarten classmates and our mothers were best friends !! I enjoyed keeping up with John’s life via the Christmas cards he and Rachel would send my 99 year old mother every year. Before John got married he sent the cards on his own.
I will miss John as he was a big connection to my early childhood years . In the last few years he and I would reminisce about our childhood memories and what we each thought at that time .
God bless you John and my condolences to his very lovely wife Rachel.
Lise Hinz Danner and Carl Danner ( Carl remembers John from Huntington High School as well)
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Ryan Koonce posted a condolence
Saturday, April 6, 2024
John was a good friend and a heck of a great guy. Although I only recently and briefly knew him, his joy for life was obvious.
Co-piloting the registration table at Mostly Lost and hanging out with him on the sidelines was fantastic. And I will always feel honored he and Rachel invited me into their happy home for a Thanksgiving dinner and to their amazing holiday parties. I will miss him greatly. A true gentleman and a kind soul.
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Peter lit a candle
Friday, April 5, 2024
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I am sorry to hear this news. John was a colleague and a friend. John was always a pleasure to work with and to have a conversation with.
Peter McCormack
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William Bolling posted a condolence
Friday, April 5, 2024
What a great guy, as the Senior at Williamson in Troop E I had the pleasure to see what he did as a trooper and as a member of the community, John was always dependable and friendly, his Halloween parties were something to behold. RIP Trooper.
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The family of John Peter Del Gaudio uploaded a photo
Friday, April 5, 2024
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Clifford Mastrangelo posted a condolence
Friday, April 5, 2024
As many of us in his family or as a friend knew, John never met anyone who wasn't his friend or about to become his friend. He was always quick to laugh, tell a story or regale you about one of his latest experiences in life. He loved his family passionately and was proud of his older brother Michael, his sister-in-law Dottie, and his two nieces Lisa and Denise and their respective children Hazel and Tommy. He was particularly proud of his bride Rachel who he held in the highest respect and had the deepest love for. A family gathering was not complete without John or his signature laugh which he inherited from his father. He had a lifelong interest in classic films, baseball, board games, and good food. He invariably had time for a quick hello, a witty zinger about a current event, or a sincere inquiry about the health of someone who may have been ill. He was always open to helping anyone at any time. He repeatedly reveled in personal dialogue and interpersonal relationships. He was a man who virtually had no enemies because he was so kind and respectful of others. John will definitely be missed BUT he will be remembered by his multitude of friends as well as by his family. Rest in Peace dear Cuz.
Cuz Cliff Mastrangelo
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Richard Wiest posted a condolence
Thursday, April 4, 2024
I first met John 42 years ago when he and I were working in the same department store in Greece, N.Y... John stood out from all of the other staff right from the very beginning - not because he was boisterous or eccentric, but because he was kind, quiet and ALWAYS willing to help you out in your greatest time of need. John was the type of man whose actions always spoke louder than his words. And the strength of his character ALWAYS shown through for others to see under his modest, unassuming nature.
From that first meeting we became lifelong friends and shared many a time together. We camped, watched movies together, sailed, partied and oftentimes just hung out. We shared Christmases, Thanksgivings, Fourth of Julys, Memorial Days and, of course, his favorite holiday of all, Halloween.. John's Halloween parties at his house on Carter Road were legendary. The company was great, the food and drink were fantastic and all John asked for in return was that you had fun and that you donated a toy to the "Toys for Tots" Christmas fund that he was collecting for. That was John; always thinking of others.
While John had a great love for cheesy 1950s science fiction movies, westerns and all things from classic cinema, his greatest love was for his fellow man. John was always slow to anger and even quicker to forgive. NEVER in my 42 years of knowing the man did I see or hear him deride or humiliate another human being. That was the essence of John.
John and I would always good-naturedly debate the quality of movies and the worth of the stars that acted in them. He and I to the very end had a huge difference of opinion on who played the better Doc Holiday in the shootout at the OK Coral: Victor Mature from "My Darling Clementine" or Val Kilmer from "Tombstone". I liked the modern version; John liked the classic. .But we both liked "The Big Country" starring Gregory Peck, which ironically was made the same year John was born. It is a scene from that movie that I will forever associate and remember John by. He would modestly disagree if he were here today, but I think this one scene in that movie fully encapsulates John's character the best.
In the scene Gregory Peck (John McKay), has recently come out west to marry the daughter of a powerful cattle baron. On the ranch he refuses to be drawn into pointless displays of bravado or silly acts of vengeance to prove how much of a "man" he is. He's not into empty theatrics to impress anyone. He tries to treat everyone decently - even if they've done him wrong and even if he's the wisest, most principaled man of the lot. His fiance, in a huff, breaks off the engagement and sends him off - angered that he won't prove himself in front of her and her friends. When her best friend confronts her as to why she did this, she tells her that "he's not the man I thought he was". They then seek out Ramon, the Mexican ranch hand, to ask him if he's ever seen Peck (McKay) do anything courageous out of the public eye on the ranch.
Ramon responds that he has seen Peck/McKay try to ride a bronco ("Old Thunder") away from the public eye when no one was around. When everyone on the ranch tried to get him to ride this wild horse in public (the joke being that this college-educated Boston sea captain would end up on the ground flat on his back and knocked down to size) Peck/McKay didn't take the bait and refused. But when everyone was out of sight, he tried riding that bronco ten, twenty, countless times - always getting thrown off until, in the end, he had broken the spirit of the horse and rode him around the coral.
Upon hearing this, Peck/McKay's fiance wails "if he loved me, why did he let me think he's a coward?" To which her girlfriend responds: "if you loved him, why would you think that? Obviously Mr. McKay is afraid of only one thing and that is showing off to the others."
This movie is a metaphor that perfectly encapsulates the essence of John DelGaudio. Like Gregory Peck (John McKay) the only fear John ever had was the fear of not doing right by his fellow man or showing off in the process. We are all better off for knowing him, we all loved him, and his wife Rachel can take solace in the fact that she was one of the lucky few that such a man chose to spend the rest of his life with.
As the ranch hand Ramon said in the movie: " A man like him is very rare".
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- 934 New York Avenue
- Huntington Station NY 11746
- Phone: 631-427-1123
- Fax: 631-385-2306
- maconnell@optonline.net
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