Our History

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.

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.

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 an established and dignified place to showcase their granite monuments. This is the very same building Gaydos Monument Company operates from today.

Carmie, John and daughter, Charlotte.

Their method of transport and installation of granite monuments (weighing hundreds of pounds) was 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).

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 transition and some of his kids were old enough to work at the business 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.

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.

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. 

Following the expansion of the warehouse required an additional building of offices.

2016 and 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.  

Gaydos Monument Company is a Veteran Owned Business. 

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.

Offer applies to new monument orders only. Not applicable to cemetery foundations, other site-work, or prepaid inscriptions. (Offer may not be combined with any other sale, promotion, discount, code, coupon and/or offer).