Salvatore Joseph Gaudio

Salvatore “Bud” Joseph Gaudio, 95, of Plantsville, beloved husband of Margaret (Cacace) Gaudio for 72 years, passed away on December 1, 2025, at LiveWell in Plantsville.  Born on November 11, 1930, in New Haven, he was the son of the late Joseph and Maria “Mae” (Mignone) Gaudio.

At age 15, Bud was one of the youngest members of the New Haven Musicians Union playing jazz saxophone in several dance bands.

In 1950 he entered Julius Hart School of Music in Hartford.  Wanting to serve his country during the Korean conflict, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951.  He was assigned to the 669 Air Force Band at Good Fellas Air Force Base Strategic Air Command in San Angelo, TX.

In July 1953 while on furlough, he came home to Connecticut to marry his fiancé, Margaret Cacace.  During the remainder of his enlistment he attended San Angelo College, studying architectural and graphic design.  During the 1950s and 1960s Bud received honorary awards for his designs for the cover of the San Angelo College Yearbook and for the 1956 U.S. Olympics Book Cover.

Bud and his wife raised their family in Branford following his military service until 1973 when they moved their family to Cheshire. He worked as Art Director for Worth’s Fashion Store in Waterbury, while Margaret operated their family store, The Cheshire Village Emporium.  During their years in Cheshire, they pursued their love for music as members of The Executive Red Coats, a “big band” that performed for many occasions at various venues in New England.  Margaret was the lead vocalist and Bud played tenor sax.

Bud and Marge eventually retired to East Haddam.  He became involved in the East Haddam Art League and volunteered at Gillette Castle Gift Shop.  One of the most meaningful hobbies during retirement was creating pen and ink renderings of US lighthouses inspired by his daughter Monica.

He would most like to be remembered for his faith in God, love and devotion to his wife and family, and loyalty to his country.

Bud leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Margaret, son Joseph and his wife, Anna, daughter, Paula Pierson, and her husband, Niles, daughter, Michele Wlodkowski and her husband Steven and son-in-law Ira Sakolsky.

Bud also leaves behind five grandchildren, Joseph Gaudio Jr. and his wife Carrietta, Niles C. Pierson and his wife Katie, Jonathan Wlodkowski and his wife Meagan, Erica Marino and her husband Jason and Erik S. Pierson and his wife Chandler.

Additionally, Bud leaves eight great grandchildren, Giovanni Joseph Gaudio, Giada Monica Gaudio, Niles Stephen Pierson, Aiden Matthew Pierson, Thomas Christian Pierson, Elizabeth Mary Monica Pierson, Colton Wlodkowski, and Elsie Mae Pierson.

Along with his parents, Bud was predeceased by his daughter, Monica L. Sakolsky and his brother Alphonse J. Gaudio.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at LiveWell, 1261 South Main Street, Plantsville, CT.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Bud’s memory may be made to any organization in support of disabled veterans. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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