Joseph John Kudrak, Jr.
March 8, 1952 – September 20, 2024
Joseph John Kudrak Jr., born on March 8, 1952, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, to parents Joseph John Kudrak and Genevieve Lipka, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated public servant, Joseph lived a life marked by love, service, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Joseph shared a remarkable love story with his wife, Rosemary Kudrak. High school sweethearts, they were inseparable from a young age and enjoyed 49 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary, and their two children: Joseph John Kudrak III, married to Camila Arellano, and Amy DeLuca, married to Christopher DeLuca. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Shayla Kudrak and Thiago Cruz, who brought him endless joy and pride. He is also survived by his loving cousins, extended family, and many friends. Joseph was predeceased by his sister, Jean Chrzanowski.
Joseph began his law enforcement career as an Auxiliary Connecticut State Police Trooper before joining the Shelton Police Department, where he proudly served for 34 years. He started as a Patrolman and worked his way through the ranks to become a Detective and later a Detective Sergeant. While serving as a Detective Sergeant, he led as Commander of the Valley Street Crime Unit, where his leadership was instrumental in keeping the community safe. He was later promoted to Lieutenant, a role in which he continued to serve with distinction. After retiring from the police force, Joseph continued his career by serving as a security officer for Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut, for 7 years, during which he was also trained and served as an EMT. Known for his integrity, leadership, and friendly, approachable nature, he touched many lives throughout his dedicated career.
Joseph will always be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and generous spirit. His love for his family, dedication to his community, and the friendships he fostered throughout his life will leave a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 28 at Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, Maryland on Saturday September 28, 2024 from 1-2 PM. A Prayer service will follow at 2 PM. Should friends desire, memorial contributions maybe made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Visitation
Saturday, September 28, 2024
1-2 PM
Services
Saturday, September 28, 2024
2 PM
Interment
private
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
24 Sep 2024
9:09pm
To the family,
I wish to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. Although I had not seen Joe in quite awhile, I have nothing but fond memories from my interactions with him while I was with the Shelton Police Auxiliary.
I recall him as being a friendly, approachable and fair Police officer who never looked down on anyone for their position or circumstances. During my time knowing him, there were a few occasions where his advice was greatly appreciated and perhaps the one thing I will never forget is how he treated me with honor and integrity during an extremely low point in my life.
May he rest in eternal peace.
City
Shelton
State
CT
25 Sep 2024
3:03am
Sending my sincere Condolences to Rosemary and the entire Family. I was fortunate to know Joe when he shopped at Giant in Prince Frederick, such a wonderful person. When Rosemary told me it was very hard for me. Rest in peace my dear friend.
City
Prince Frederick
State
Maryland
25 Sep 2024
6:19pm
Papa Joe was the best, he made your week every time he came to town. We always looked forward to hanging out with him and laughing at his jokes and stories. Sometimes in life you meet someone and you get the immediate feeling that this person is a great person and Joe was one of those people. From the first time we met it was clear what a kind, funny and loving man he was. He cared deeply about his family and was visibly proud of his children. We’ll miss seeing him at family gatherings and I’ll miss talking to him at those gatherings when everyone else is speaking Spanish. Our hearts goes out to Rosemary, Amy, Joe, Chris, Camila, Shayla, Thiago and his whole family. This is one that will hurt for awhile, because the world was a better place with Joe in it. But now he gets to bring his laugh and stories to everyone in heaven. I can’t wait to see him again and to see him laugh. We love you Joe we will all miss you terribly.
-The Arellano/Camlin family
City
Las Vegas
State
NV
28 Sep 2024
2:25pm
To Rosemary and family, my sympathies and prayers. Many wonderful times, listening to your stories and sharing your experiences.
Hang on to all the great memories, they will comfort you in the “down” times!
Sincerely, Donna Doherty
City
Derby
State
CT
29 Sep 2024
7:31pm
Aunt Rose,Joseph & Amy,
Simply heartbroken to hear about my uncle Joe. Although it’s been so long since we saw each other I think of all of you frequently.
Sending thoughts and prayers and our sincerest condolences to all on your loss. Uncle Joe was a great uncle and godfather and am so remorseful that we didn’t stay in touch. I have nothing but fond memories- especially from my childhood. Wishing you all peace and strength at this most difficult time. May his memory always be a blessing.
Jon,Jodi,Senia & Natalee Chrzanowski.
City
Ansonia
State
CT
3 Nov 2024
12:54pm
Thank you for being such a nice guy in EMT Class, that’s how I’ll remember you: a genuinely nice guy. Condolences to your family, RIP Joe.
City
Shelton
State
Ct
Sort Comments
To the family,
I wish to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. Although I had not seen Joe in quite awhile, I have nothing but fond memories from my interactions with him while I was with the Shelton Police Auxiliary.
I recall him as being a friendly, approachable and fair Police officer who never looked down on anyone for their position or circumstances. During my time knowing him, there were a few occasions where his advice was greatly appreciated and perhaps the one thing I will never forget is how he treated me with honor and integrity during an extremely low point in my life.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Sending my sincere Condolences to Rosemary and the entire Family. I was fortunate to know Joe when he shopped at Giant in Prince Frederick, such a wonderful person. When Rosemary told me it was very hard for me. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Papa Joe was the best, he made your week every time he came to town. We always looked forward to hanging out with him and laughing at his jokes and stories. Sometimes in life you meet someone and you get the immediate feeling that this person is a great person and Joe was one of those people. From the first time we met it was clear what a kind, funny and loving man he was. He cared deeply about his family and was visibly proud of his children. We’ll miss seeing him at family gatherings and I’ll miss talking to him at those gatherings when everyone else is speaking Spanish. Our hearts goes out to Rosemary, Amy, Joe, Chris, Camila, Shayla, Thiago and his whole family. This is one that will hurt for awhile, because the world was a better place with Joe in it. But now he gets to bring his laugh and stories to everyone in heaven. I can’t wait to see him again and to see him laugh. We love you Joe we will all miss you terribly.
-The Arellano/Camlin family
To Rosemary and family, my sympathies and prayers. Many wonderful times, listening to your stories and sharing your experiences.
Hang on to all the great memories, they will comfort you in the “down” times!
Sincerely, Donna Doherty
Aunt Rose,Joseph & Amy,
Simply heartbroken to hear about my uncle Joe. Although it’s been so long since we saw each other I think of all of you frequently.
Sending thoughts and prayers and our sincerest condolences to all on your loss. Uncle Joe was a great uncle and godfather and am so remorseful that we didn’t stay in touch. I have nothing but fond memories- especially from my childhood. Wishing you all peace and strength at this most difficult time. May his memory always be a blessing.
Jon,Jodi,Senia & Natalee Chrzanowski.
Thank you for being such a nice guy in EMT Class, that’s how I’ll remember you: a genuinely nice guy. Condolences to your family, RIP Joe.