The family of a well-known mason in Orange County is speaking to News 12 after he was killed in a house fire on a farm this week. 

Michael Gida died Tuesday night after the fire at his rental home on Babes Lane in the town of Newburgh. The house is located on a working farm called SGRO Farm. 

Gida’s three kids and wife were home at the time but escaped before Gida realized they were safe. 

“When Mike Sr. went in to confirm the kids got out, he never made it back out,” said Brian Stafford, Michael’s cousin. 

The 64-year-old is now remembered for his devotion to his family and for the custom stone walls he built in the Hudson Valley. 

“He did work for Tommy Hilfiger and Aerosmith,” said Stafford. “He really did phenomenal work, and a lot of people knew him for that.” 

Stafford says the fire started in one of the children’s bedrooms upstairs. 

His oldest son, Michael Jr., remains in the hospital with serious burns to his face and hands that he suffered while trying to rescue his dad. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

GoFundMe to help family
GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses