Thomas Kudrak

KUDRAK Thomas M. Kudrak, age 93, of Stratford, husband of the late Elinor Breawa Kudrak, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Tom was born on July 1, 1918 in Pittston, Pennsylvania. After high school, he was a bulldozer operator in the Civilian Conservation Corp in Stock Haven, Pennsylvania. Tom then served in the United States Army Transportation Corps stationed in the Aleutian Islands from March 1942 to October 1945. In addition to receiving an Honorable Discharge, he was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal. He has been a member of the Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 in Stratford. He had worked at Columbia Records in Bridgeport, the U.S. Postal Service Bridgeport Maintenance Garage and Sears Repair Center in West Haven. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed doing small engine repair for friends and family. He provided dedicated care at home to his wife Elinor during her last years. Tom went to the Baldwin Center daily to play pool and cards and visit with his many friends. He had a joke to share for every occasion. Tom is survived by four children, James Kudrak of Tennessee, Susan Kudrak and her husband, Ira Pollack, of Bethel, Ralph Kudrak and his wife, Lynda, of Illinois and Laura DiBartolomeo and her husband, Paul, of Stratford; four grandchildren, Michael Kudrak, Adrienne Zaleski, Matthew Kudrak and Joshua Pollack; two brothers, John Kudrak and Daniel Kudrak; two sisters, Pauline Olsen and Martha Lock; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary (Stofan) Kudrak; three brothers, infant Leo, Paul and Edward; and two sisters, Ann Morris and Agnes Shoback. Friends may call on Monday, February 20, 2012 from 3 7 p.m. at the Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. DIRECTLY at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stratford Senior Services, Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad St., Stratford, CT 06615 or Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460, 100 Veterans Blvd., Stratford, CT 06615.