Peter Reid Gaudion

Peter Reid Gaudion

1952 ~ 2025

Peter Reid Gaudion passed away on the 15th day of April, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. Born in October 1952 in Rochester, New York, Pete was the son of Harold William Gaudion and Jean Elizabeth Reid. He graduated from the University of Florida’s School of Journalism in Gainesville, Florida in 1976. He married his high school sweetheart in Plantation, Florida, where they made their home and raised two children before later relocating to Tampa. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Bernadette.

Pete enjoyed a long and rewarding career in Relocations and Transportation, including challenging opportunities as a civilian contractor at MacDill AFB and Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay. He often expressed gratitude for a career that allowed him to share the world with his family—offering extensive travel, cultural experiences, hiking adventures and sporting endeavors. Each moment brought joy and laughter to their close-knit family.

Pete and his wife shared a lifelong affinity for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and were proud to pass this torch to their children and grandchildren. Memberships of GSMA and Smokies Life, which has supported GSMNP since 1953, was a mainstay for Pete and family reflecting their love of the history and natural beauty of this protected park.

Among Pete’s greatest joys was following the athletic careers of his children, Christina and Sean, at the University of South Florida and University of Central Florida. He was a devoted and proud father of both, celebrating their many accomplishments on and off the field.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Harold Gaudion; his sister, Karen VanDerMallie; brothers-in-law, Larry Campbell and Ernst Blomeyer. He is survived by his cherished sister, Patricia Campbell, brother-in-law, Lewis VanDerMallie and sister-in-law, Rita Blomeyer.

His legacy lives on through his children, Christina Maria Gaudion, Peter ‘Sean’ Gaudion (Brittney Bernard); his beloved grandchildren, Hazel and Haddie Gaudion. He is also lovingly remembered by niece Patti Maloy (Timothy); and German nieces, Elke Blomeyer (Dirk), Karola Rech (Jurgen); as well as nephews Scott Campbell (Monika), Michael VanDerMallie and Eric VanDerMallie.

The Gaudion family extends their heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, and colleagues for their outpouring of love, prayers and support during this time of mourning. Pete will be remembered as a genuinely kind-hearted, beloved husband, father and friend—destined to pass as he lived encircled in the arms of his loving family.

Virtutis Gloria Merces

Glory, the Reward of Virtue

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Eternal rest grant unto Peter Reid Gaudion, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of our faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace always. Amen