Our istory
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Since our family business began in 1947, we have been proud to provide beautiful, quality monuments for families and individuals locally and across the region. Our founder, John Gaydos Jr. and his wife Carmie Grassi-Gaydos, had a vision for their business…To provide their family, friends and acquaintances with merchandise of the finest quality at a fair price.
Over 50 years later, his son, Roger Sr. and his wife Ellen own the company. Along with several family members, they are still running the business with the same founding principles in mind.
We know that choosing a memorial can be a difficult and challenging time and we want to make it as easy and seamless as possible. We welcome you and your family to visit our showroom where you may see the many styles, colors and sizes of granite and memorials we offer. Bring us your ideas and inspiration, and we will create a custom memorial to honor and respect your loved one’s interests and passions. Our family and associates will help guide you through the selection and design process every step of the way.
Feel free to explore our online Design Center that offers many styles and sizes to choose from. Once we know what your cemetery regulations are we can move forward with the design, inscription and installation process.
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umble Beginnings...
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1947
Gaydos Monument Company was founded in 1947 by John Gaydos Jr. and Carmie Grassi-Gaydos (both first-generation immigrants).
John and Carmie started the monument company in their home on Oak Spring Road in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. With their home's central location being close to Oak Spring Cemetery and many other surrounding cemeteries, they were inspired to start selling monuments. Their business idea blossomed and allowed them to provide friends, family, and members of the community quality monuments at an affordable price.
They raised three children in this home as they nurtured their business… usually working seven days a week. They would even open their doors on holidays since many workers were only able to stop by on those days. The monument “showroom” had been set up in John and Carmie's modestly decorated basement garage and their kitchen table served as their meeting space and office.
1960's
Together, in 1963, they borrowed a small sum from a local resident to expand the business. They used these funds to build a fabrication plant and showroom for the monument company.
Carmie, John, and daughter, Charlotte.
Original Showroom & Granite Yard
Their method of transport and installation of granite monuments (weighing hundreds of pounds) was by using old fashioned rubber washing machine rollers, a steel bar (for lift), an old coal shoot window with a plank running from the floor of the basement to the outside (to move display pieces from outside-in and vise-versa); a small pick-up truck would be borrowed from a neighbor. Their neighbors and friends were their crew until their children, Roger, Charlotte, and Debra were old enough to help out. Their 1963 endeavor, across the street from their home was finally a dignified place to showcase their granite monuments - the very same building Gaydos Monument Company operates from today.
Daughter, Debbie & the Original Pickup Truck.
Our Founder, John Gaydos Jr.
1980's
In 1981, John Gaydos Jr. retired and sold the business to his son, Roger.
Roger, his wife Ellen, and all seven of their children have spent time over the years working at the family business. Several employees stayed on for this change of ownership and some of his children stayed on as well. Lots of time was spent by the family to learn the skilled trade, which was still primarily hand-tooled, artfully crafted work.
Two of their sons; Roger Jr. and Mike, continue to work at the monument company today along with their associates and crew.
Roger Gaydos Sr.
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Mike Gaydos- layout and design in the 80's
Roger Gaydos Jr.-On right. Installation 1980's
1990's
When Roger Sr. took the reins of the family business, he expanded a more global approach to fabricating and delivering granite monuments and services. This allowed the business to offer not only retail, but wholesale options as well….growing the business further. This allowed for more designs, sizes, and customized service, along with more affordable pricing. By doing this, Roger expanded on his parent’s vision. He sought out the latest technologies and computer aided drafting programs and selected the finest granite from around the world offering the finest products possible.
Photo circa 1960's taken in front of Original Showroom.
2000's
Roger remained ever-committed to improving all aspects of his family's monument company. Since the turn of the century, he had built a new warehouse, redesigned the showroom, added more office space and began restructuring the granite fabrication plant.
In 2001, he purchased a new truck with 53ft Boom Crane that allowed for easier and safer installations. In 2005 the expansion of the new warehouse and offices were complete.
2005
Warehouse Expansion
The expansion of the warehouse required an additional building of offices.
2016 & Beyond
In the past, most monuments were hand-carved by skilled artisans. With the advent of new technologies, many of these stones are now laser-etched or machine-carved. In 2016 Roger purchased a CNC machine. A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine automates manufacturing tools, using computer-programmed instructions to precisely cut, shape, or engrave materials like stone, offering high accuracy and speed. These machines work by interpreting digital designs and controlling tool movements enabling complex patterns and designs.
These changes have more than tripled production capacity and accommodates the largest granite monument inventory in the Mid-Atlantic region to meet the demands of our growing retail and wholesale customer base. Having grown and maintained the business through three generations, the Gaydos family has a true understanding of what it means to have preserved our founder, John’s vision and his son Roger’s innovation.
We are their legacy… crafting quality granite monuments at a fair price, and treating everyone like family.
Veteran-Owned for Two Generations.
Both our founder, John Gaydos, and his son, Roger Sr. (who bought and took over the company in 1981) served in the military. John Gaydos (1942-1945) served in WWII in the Army Air Corps and Roger J. Gaydos (1964-1968) served in Vietnam; Armored Cavalry / Military Police.
We are proud to offer a 5% Military Discount to all Veterans and their families. Offer applies to new monument orders only. Not applicable to cemetery foundations, other site-work, or prepaid inscriptions.
