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BORN
1947
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Christopher Gada Obituary
Pete was born on Nov. 24, 1947, to Grace and Lawrence Gada of Waterford. While growing up in Waterford, Pete became very fond of mechanics and anything mechanical, including race cars. It was this passion that landed him behind the wheel of the popular Ford powered 271 Modified race car at the Waterford Speedbowl. There he raced side by side with his brothers, Larry and Bob, on the My Three Sons racing team.
During this period he met the love of his life, Jean Fox. They were married on Aug. 2, 1968, and moved to Niantic to raise a family. Family meant everything to them.
Pete worked at Millstone Power Station until his retirement in 1998. There he was fortunate to have gained a core group of loyal friends who were with him to the end. Pete would drop everything to lend a hand to a friend or stranger alike. He could fix anything!
He is survived by his sons, Jeff of Waterford and his wife, Eloise, Jamie of Niantic and his wife, Michelle; his four loving grandchildren, Marshall, Jake, Rowan and Miles; and countless family and friends.
He will be truly missed by all, but is now with his true love Jean once again.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A celebration of Pete's life will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at the Waterford Speedbowl, turn 1.
In lieu of flowers, please do something special for a friend in need.
www.neilanfuneralhome.com
Go Ford!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Gada
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.
Janet Conary
December 9, 2018
Uncle Pete and Aunt Jean:)
Laura Buchanan-Yurkovsky
September 21, 2016
I have just learned of Pete's passing. We have lost a phenomenal person. I will forever treasure his humor and laughter. He had nicked named me "Me Too" when we were little 'cause I always wanted to do what he was doing or go where he was going. One summer he saved me from drowning when I jumped in the swimming hole behind grandpa & grandma's house and somehow forgot how to swim! His love for his family was expressed in every possible way. He is now hand in hand with his beloved Jeannie. He will be missed and always remembered with love and smiles from all that knew him.
Cindy Beals
August 14, 2016
Jean and Chris were truly wonderful people, and I am grateful to have known them when our boys ran wild in Giant's Neck. I have missed Jean for 15 years, and now will miss her "Pete". Love to Jamie and Jeff and your families.
Frank Shep
July 24, 2016
A True FORD Man.
Pierre and Liz Bumgardner
July 22, 2016
Jamie and family,
Our family is thinking of you during your time of loss. May you find some peace within the memories that you shared with your father.
Bill and Terry Mackay
July 22, 2016
Always enjoyed our chance meetings at the credit union. I will miss you.
Michael Slosberg
July 22, 2016
Dear Jeff & Jaime & Families,
I extend Karen Elizabeth's and my condolences to you on your Dad's passing.
Karen is in Paris or Tunisia or Morocco or Senegal. If there's a plane to one of those places and friends to visit, she's off. She's somewhere but nowhere close to here or you'd see her.
Your Dad was always a great guy. I was always proud to have him as a brother-in-law. He carried his own weight. Never was needy. Always a fun, bright outlook. There a lot to be said for Pete, and that's just the first few words.
Be well and carry on as he would want,
Uncle Michael
Dave and Chris Buscetto
July 21, 2016
Rest in peace, Pete. Thinking of you Jamie and Jeff and family.
Lynn Trudeau
July 20, 2016
My heart go's out to Petes family I remember going to Disney all together had a great time all the racing picnics had a blast lots of good memories Pete was a very kind and fun guy he will truly be missed
Vicky Moos
July 20, 2016
Jamie and Family, So sorry to know that your Dad has passed. Our deepest sympathy, at this difficult time for you and your family.
Jim and Vicky Moos
Harold & Mary Winslow-Devine
July 20, 2016
Jamie and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom Levanti
July 20, 2016
Jamie and Jeff,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I remember him coming in to my bike shop for parts for your bikes. He is a man who left a memorable impression --- one you can be very proud of. I can only imagine how much fun it must have been having him as a father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,
Tom
Jack & Jan Heisler
July 19, 2016
We miss you dearly, with over 30 years of fantastic memories you will never be forgotten. You were our go to person for any question, mechanical or not, you'd always have an opinion. We miss your daily phone calls and e-mails, and the only solace we have is that we know you are finally with Jean. God bless you both, hope to see you in the next life. Our hearts go out to Jeff, Jamie and the rest of your family.
Ellen, Bud and Randy Powers
July 19, 2016
Our thoughts and our prayers, Jeff and family, Jamie and family, Joan, Regina and Bob. Chris was a very special person and he meant a lot to us. Our deepest, heartfelt Sympathy, Bud, Ellen and Randy
Steve Baker
July 19, 2016
To the Gada family, sorry for your loss. We knew him as Chris when he went to Flanders School and Mrs. Foley would always yell at him on the bus. Later I worked with him at Millstone. I will miss the banter we had concerning Ford VS. MOPAR.
Mark Christiansen
July 18, 2016
To the Gada family it is with a heavy heart that we found out about the passing of your husband ,father . Our families prayers are with you at this time.
Chip Mundell
July 18, 2016
We are so fortunate to have known your dad, Jamie and Jeff. He was always at all the games to cheer on his grandchildren.. And he adored Michelle and Eloise too! We are comforted to know he's back together with your mom. In the days ahead, Chip and I are here for you. Your friendship means a lot to us, and we grieve along with you. Love you guys! Chip, MK, Graham and Rowan
Mark Bogue
July 18, 2016
"WAlly" was one of my childhood heros when he raced at the Speedbowl in the 60's and 70's. All fellow racers are like bothers and I am very saddened by his passing. Will always have great memories of those days gone by. RIP Wally
Tom & Kristen Locarno
July 18, 2016
Jamie,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father.
Anna LaPorta
July 18, 2016
My Deepest Sympathies to his wonderful family who he clearly loved, and who loved him in return .
Rob and Cheryl Andrews
July 18, 2016
Pete was a good friend and neighbor. He will be missed. Our condolences to his family
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Bill Ryley
July 18, 2016
We were childhood friends, and neighbors. I will always remember racing up and down the hill on the side of his house, in some old truck, also the old circus truck we would ride once and awhile. We went boating together with our mutual Friend Pete who passed as a teen. RIP my friend.
Tony Gialpis
July 18, 2016
Dear Jamie and family,
My sincere condolences. So sorry for your loss. May your father rest in peace and God bless his soul.
With deepest sympathy,
Tony Gialpis
Bob Janovic
July 18, 2016
I didn't know he was in the hospital. So sad to read that he has left us. My condolences to the family.
Mark Vuillemot
July 18, 2016
Good bye my friend. l will miss you but we wil see each other in the future when we meet again. Thank you for being a great friend to me for the past 32 years.
jean and paul Tardif
July 18, 2016
Rest in Peace. Prayers are with your family at this time......
Chris Taylor
July 18, 2016
Truely sorry for your loss, I'm sure he is with your mom...... If you need anything please reach out.
Charlie Sladky
July 17, 2016
Pete...........take the hottest FORD you can find, for your ride to heaven..........
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
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Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
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