Samuel J. Gaida, Jr., 70, of State Route 10, Summit, New York died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Born on July 7, 1955, in Glen Cove, Long Island, NY, he was the son of Samuel J. Gaida, Sr. and Margaret Roberts Gaida. He had been a resident of Summit for the past 44 years.

Sam was a Truck Driver for Cobleskill Stone Products.

He was a member of the Summit Volunteer Fire Department, volunteering since the age of 16. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and reloading. He could often be found riding around town on his red tractor.

On September 21, 1974, Sam married Debra Grass.

Samuel was predeceased by his parents; brothers, George Gaida and Joseph Patrick Gaida; sister-in-law, Terrie Gaida.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Gaida of Summit, NY; sons, Jason (Michelle) Gaida of Carlisle, NY, Joshua (Sarah) Gaida of Jefferson, NY; grandchildren, Katelynn Gaida, Ryan Gaida, Addison Gaida, Adella Gaida; fur babies, Daisy, Tigger, Sockies; sisters, Priscilla (Mark) Gaida of TN, Noreen (Arnie) Fancher of Howes Cave, NY; brother, James Gaida of Summit, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 4:00-6:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. A memorial service will follow at 6:00pm at the funeral home.