Stephen Gidus, who for decades served the Orthodox Church in America on the national, diocesan, and parochial levels, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and close friends, on Monday, October 8, 2012 here. He had waged a valiant battle against cancer.
The foundation of Stephen’s life was his strong faith. Through the years he served as a member of the OCA’s Metropolitan Council and Preconciliar Commission and as a member of the the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the South, among a variety of other positions and ministries. A member of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Church, Longwood, FL, where he served as a reader and member of the parish council and building committee, he went on several mission trips to Guatemala, Africa, and Mexico to share his strong Christian faith.
Next to his faith, Stephen’s family was the most important thing in his life. He was the devoted husband of wife, Tara, and father of two young boys, Basil, 5, and Levi, 3. Stephen was a custom home builder. He was in business with his brother, Paul, and owned PSG Construction in Orlando. More recently, he started a consulting business called REMODology and wrote five books for the remodeling construction industry. He was well known in the community for his strong faith and family values along with exemplary work ethic.
Stephen had a passion for helping the homeless, having organized a clothing drive for the Coalition of the Homeless in downtown Orlando for 20 years. He also enjoyed running, having completed 17 marathons, including the Boston Marathon on two occasions.
In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his father and mother, Timothy and Marie Gidus, Columbus, OH, and his siblings Ann Marie Gidus-Mecera, also of Columbus; Paul Gidus, Orlando, FL; and James Gidus, Sarasota, FL, along with their spouses and seven nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service will be celebrated at Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Church, Longwood, FL, on Thursday, October 11, at 6:00 p.m. Visitation and reading of the Psalter will follow throughout the night. The Divine Liturgy and interment will be celebrated on Friday, October 12, at 9:30 a.m.
Donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Church, 1895 Lake Emma Road, Longwood, Florida 32750; the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, 639 West Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801; or First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Daycare/Preschool, 106 East Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801.
May Stephen’s memory be eternal!