Wayne F. "Lefty" Gdovin, Jr.

Wayne Francis “Lefty” Gdovin, Jr. passed away suddenly on October 26, 2026. He was born on June 20, 1970, to Cynthia (Logan) Gdovin and the late Wayne F. Gdovin, Sr.

Wayne attended Meriden public schools and graduated from Platt High School. Growing up, he enjoyed playing baseball at Habershon Park in South Meriden, creating memories in the community he called home.

Wayne began his culinary career at Britannia Spoon & Co., where he started as a dishwasher. It was there that he discovered his love for cooking. Through hard work, dedication, and natural talent, Wayne worked his way up to becoming a phenomenal chef.

While working at Britannia Spoon, Wayne welcomed his daughter, Hailey, into the world. Becoming a father strengthened his determination to work hard and provide for her, and he carried that dedication with him throughout his life.

After Britannia Spoon & Co. closed, Wayne met his wife, Heather (Pierce) Gdovin. Together, they built their family and welcomed two sons, Brian and Samuel.

Wayne continued pursuing his passion for cooking, working as head chef at FJ’s in Middletown before moving on to Callahan’s in Cheshire and Brannigans in Southington, where he worked until both restaurants closed. After years in the fast-paced restaurant industry, Wayne took a step back from the kitchen to spend more time with Heather and their children.

He later worked alongside his cousin Ed doing concrete work. But no matter where life took him, Wayne’s love for cooking never faded. Eventually, he returned to the kitchen, finding his way back to the work that had always been such a big part of who he was.

Wayne was most recently employed at the Manor Inn in Milldale, which became his favorite place to work. Just one week before his passing, Wayne told his sister that he loved this job more than any of his previous ones because of the way the owner and coworkers worked together as a team. He truly loved his restaurant family, and it was clear how much being part of that team meant to him. The friendships he built and the sense of togetherness he found there made this job especially meaningful to him.

Outside of work, Wayne loved spending time with his family and making memories with those closest to him. He especially enjoyed fishing with his brother, nephews, and granddaughter. He also looked forward to trips to Laconia, New Hampshire, with his cousins Mickey and Ed and his brother DJ to watch NASCAR. They also enjoyed traveling to New York for the Nights of Fire drag racing events. These outings brought together Wayne’s love of racing and the people he loved spending time with, creating memories his family will always cherish.

Wayne was a devoted father and grandfather who took great pride in the time he spent with his family. His granddaughter Peyton lived with him, and one of the special things they shared was his love of cooking. Wayne had been teaching her to cook, passing along a passion that had shaped so much of his own life. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he leaves behind memories that they will carry with them always.

Wayne was predeceased by his father, Wayne F. Gdovin, Sr.; his grandparents, James and Jackie Logan and Michael and Helen Gdovin; and his beloved nephew, Cody, who passed away in July.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Heather; his children, Hailey, Brian, and Samuel; his mother, Cynthia (Logan) Gdovin; and his precious grandchildren, Peyton, Jordyn, and Gracey, who will miss him terribly.

He is also survived by his sister, Susan Lynn; his brother, David (Nicky); his brother-in-law, Jim; his nephews, Justin and Logan; and his niece Braelyn. He will also be deeply missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who meant the world to him.

Wayne’s sudden passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his hard work, his dedication to his family, his passion for cooking, and the meaningful relationships he built throughout his life. Whether he was in the kitchen, fishing with family, enjoying a day at the races, or spending time with his grandchildren, Wayne treasured the people and experiences that made life special. His love, laughter, and memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Following cremation, a service to celebrate Wayne’s life will be held at South Meriden Trinity United Methodist Church, 145 Main St., Meriden on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been created to help cover Wayne’s cremation expenses and provide some support to his family during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter the amount, would be deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, sharing the fundraiser would mean just as much. Thank you for keeping Wayne and his loved ones in your thoughts.

To contribute or share, please visit: https://gofund.me/4053f0a75.

Arrangements in care of Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. To send condolences, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.