A Meadville-based family continues to build new projects, adding to growth in Crawford County.

It is behind a business with a footprint now for more than 60 years.

Tom Gildea started the Gildea Group of Companies in 1960.

It was then known as Goodea Construction, which built banks, schools and industrial space.

While it has evolved, family has always been at its core.

Roger Gildea is the vice president. His son Brian and son-in-law DJ Craven are managing partners.

The business has extended its beyond Meadville to historical restorations in downtown Erie and even projects in surrounding states.

"We were always pushed to give back as a family," said Brian Gildea. "Be on boards, donate when you can and just be involved in the community - not just live here. Because when my grandfather came here, he did not have anything and really just took a risk with my grandmother to start an entity here."

Tom, who passed away in January at age 89, is originally from Hollidaysburg.

His legacy lives on now with several sister companies under the Gildea Group.