John J. Gildea

John J. Gildea The Saddler", 88, formerly of Bryn Mawr, PA, passed away on May 21, 2013 peacefully, surrounded by his wife and family at St. Joseph's Hospital in Stranorlar, Co. Donegal, Ireland. A service was held Friday, May 24th at The Holy Family Church in Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Burial took place at Holy Family Church Cemetary. Mr. Gildea was born on July 27, 1924 in Ardara to Patrick and Gertrude (Gallagher) Gildea .He immigrated to the United States in 1954 and married Teresa McGroarty on Nov. 24 1956, at St. John's Church in Gladwyne, PA. Mr. Gildea worked for Miss Ethel Pew at her Bryn Mawr Estate for forty-five years. In 1992, John began building a home in Ardara. Their home was completed in 1992. Upon retirement, John and Teresa returned to live in Ireland in July 2000. Mr. Gildea was a life-long member of the Pioneers, avid GAA Football Fan and passionate gardener who loved his little hometown of Ardara and all of the people in it. He is survived by his wife Teresa (McGroarty) Gildea, daughter Trudy Gildea of Lansdowne, PA, daughter and son-in-law, Patty and Scott Cleveland along with grand-daughters Katie & Jamie Cleveland of Wayne, PA, sons John Gildea of Gladwyne, PA, Kevin Gildea of West Chester, PA and Brendan Gildea of Conshohocken, PA. He will be greatly missed by his family.