Michael B. Gaydo

Mr. Michael B. Gaydo, 65, of Berlin, NH passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2010 at his home in Berlin. He was born in Claremont, NH on May 15, 1944, the son of Michael A. and Nellie (Kuzmich) Gaydo. He was educated in Claremont schools and graduated from Stevens High School where he played basketball and baseball. He was a graduate of UNH in 1967 earning a BA in History with a minor in English, later obtaining a Masters Degree from UNH in 1971. Mike began his career at Berlin High School in January of 1968, teaching English for four years before joining the Social Studies Department. He taught World History and NH History for 36 years prior to his retirement in 2003. During those years, he served as a NHIAA high school softball and baseball umpire, a high school basketball referee and an ASA umpire. Mike also played many years in the City Softball League, Candlepin Bowling League and Horseshoe League. He started his sports writing career in the 1960s, writing during vacations and summers for the Daily Eagle in Claremont. He also wrote for the UNH school paper and served as its Sports Editor. From September of 1968 to the present date, he wrote for the Berlin Reporter, serving as its Sports Editor. In 1991, then BHS soccer coach Keith Parent and GHS soccer mentor Bill Goodrich created the Gaydo Cup which is awarded to the winner of the BHS/GHS soccer game and is displayed at that school for 1 year. Upon his retirement in 2003, the Berlin Coaches Association created the Michael Gaydo Commitment Award which is given to an unsung BHS male and female senior athlete for their work ethic and commitment to their sport and teammates. In 2004 he was elected to the NHIAA Hall of Fame as a Contributor/Writer. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, music, movies, attending Red Sox games, and sharing time with his friends. He is survived by his stepdaughter Kathleen (Couture) Melanson, her husband Craig and their children Griffin and Kolin of Berlin, NH; his close friends Ted and Cheryl McCormick and their children Kelly and Erin of Berlin, NH; and a multitude of friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his loving aunts Virgie Spasink, Helen Kuzmich and Sonya Kuzmich and his uncle John Kuzmich. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 6:00 PM at the Berlin High School Gymnasium 550 Willard Street in Berlin. Interment will be in the Mountain View Cemetery in Claremont, NH on a future date. At Michaels request, there will be no calling hours. Donations may be made payable to the Guardian Angel Credit Union, 200 Coos St. Berlin, NH 03570 toward the Michael B. Gaydo Berlin-Gorham Athletic Fund. Arrangements are by the Bryant Funeral Home, Berlin, NH.