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Obituary
Dominic J. Gaudiano, affectionately known as “Nick,” “Nicky,” and to generations of athletes simply as “Coach G,” passed away on September 7, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born June 14, 1948, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hazleton, Nick was the son of the late Dominic and Theresa M. (Zanei) Gaudiano. He was raised in Hazleton and graduated from Hazleton High School in 1966. Nick proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, attaining the rank of Specialist Four and serving in Vietnam. His military honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Bronze Star Medal.
On June 23, 1973, Nick married Janielee (Feaster) Gaudiano, beginning a marriage that would span 52 years. Above all else, Nick cherished his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and especially treasured family gatherings and the opportunity to have those he loved together.
For more than three decades, Nick was a dedicated track and field coach at Hazleton Area, beginning in 1993. He coached the discus, javelin, and shot put and became known to many of his athletes as “Coach G” or simply “G.” He received the Bill Crooks Memorial Award and was inducted into the Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his dedication and contributions to track and field. His commitment extended far beyond athletics. Nick generously gave his time to his church, and he was a devoted presence at Mass every Sunday. He also enjoyed doing yard work and cheering on the New York Yankees and New York Giants.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his beloved wife, Janielee, and his granddaughter, Kayla Knepper, daughter of Bernadette. He is survived by his children, Bernadette and Chad Hischar; Michael and Jennifer Gaudiano; and Nicholas and Laura Gaudiano; and by his grandchildren, Antonio, Dominic, Travis, and Dylan. He is also survived by his brother, Benjamin Gaudiano, and his wife, Patricia, as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 17th, from 6-8 P.M. at the Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home., 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 18th, at 10 A.M. in Our Lady of Peace Parish at Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded.
Nick’s life was marked by service to his country, his church, his athletes, and, most importantly, his family. His happiness, kindness, generosity, optimism, and devotion to others will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched. -
Guestbook
Nick and I use to go fishing along with some other friends in the State gamelands when we were kids growing up. We had alot of good times, fun and laughs together. Rest in peace Nick. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Charlie Mussoline
I just heard of Coach G's passing! I enjoyed coaching track & field with him while I was in Hazleton. His "mighty throwers" were his passion but was always supportive of the rest ofthe team whether you were a hurdler, sprinter or even us "distance geeks." He will be greatly missed and I hope his family finds peace knowing his legacy is cemented in Hazleton Area Girls T&F! Rest easy Coach G!Coach Kim Gasper
So sorry to hear of Nick's passing. I met Nick and Janie many years ago while teaching their kids. Through the years we ran into each other in so many places and always shared a laugh...just good people and will be missed. Rest in Peace, Nick...Fran Milot
The moments spent on the shot put circle at a meet could be tense but Coach G always made sure they were filled with laughter. When I couldn’t master the typical glide step he didn’t make me feel badly just taught me a move we dubbed the “shuffle”. He was a such a funny, warm and encouraging presence. Long after graduation when I’d occasionally run into him on visits to Hazleton or whenever he’d see my mother, he’d ask about me and my sister-in-law by name and I’m sure he did that with all of us who were lucky enough to have him as a coach. Rest in peace, Coach G.Jenna Umbriac
