Gasper James Cajka

Gasper James Cajka, 92, of Osprey, Fla., passed away Monday.

Born Jan. 6, 1923, Mr. Cajka was raised on his parents' dairy farm in Lyndora. He graduated from Butler High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. On the GI Bill, he was educated at Duquesne University and the University of Notre Dame.

He was a research chemist who developed formulas for DuPont paints and the polyurethane that floats Boston Whaler boats.

In June 1951 he married Lois Madelyn Scarnate of Pittsburgh. They raised two children in Mount Lebanon and were married for 49 years. She passed away in March 2001.

Mr. Cajka served as Allegheny County commander of the American Legion and was active with the Knights of Columbus and St. Bernard Church, Mount Lebanon. After moving to Florida in 1994, he volunteered with the Community Music School and Epiphany Cathedral.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Chupka of Butler; his daughter, Maryhelen Cajka (Jack) Geldi; his son, Paul A. (Emily) Cajka; his two granddaughters; one grandson; and one great-grandson.

CAJKA — Funeral services for Gasper James Cajka, who died Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, were Friday at the Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, Fla.Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Epiphany Cathedral School, 315 Sarasota St., Venice, FL 34285.