Thaddeus Kuczinski

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Thaddeus Kuczinski, better known to his friends and family as: Ted, Teddy and/or Tadju. He was born in Port Washington, NY on March 3, 1934 and died in his home surrounded by love on November 8, 2025, at the age of 91. He is survived by his beloved wife, Claire, his daughter, Nadia (John) Bieber, and son, Stefan (Karin) Kuczinski. He was a devoted and loyal husband to Claire who were married for 66 years. They shared a deep love of family whom they supported and always wanted the best for! He deeply loved his grandchildren: Sam and Owen (Nadia) Bieber, and Zoe and Remi (Stefan) Kuczinski, and they loved their Poppi. Ted was so lucky to spend the last 1 year and 8 months at home with Claire and his devoted and incredible caretaker, Kate (Khatuna). They shared a deep love and affection. The family is forever grateful for her outstanding care of him and continued care of Claire. She is their angel and always a part of their family! He was the last survivor of his siblings, predeceased by: Fran Linhart, Edward Kuczinski, and Henry Kuczinski whom he's now sharing a toast with! Na zdrowie (Nostrovia)!
Ted was the first of his family to attend college, at SUNY Oswego where he was a proud Delta Phi member, and received his BS in Education/Teaching. He continued his education at Columbia University where he received an MA in Guidance, and then in Educational Administration. He taught in West Babylon, NY, then Baumholder, West Germany for the U.S. Government where he met his future wife, Claire. After returning to the States, he worked as an Assistant Program Director for the Student Centers at City College, NY and then became Program Director at the Student Center at Baruch School of Business at City College, NY. He then moved on to become a Guidance Counselor in Traphagen School in Mt. Vernon, NY school district where he met lifelong friends. He continued working in Mt. Vernon, NY at Pennington School, where he began his career as a Principal, then at Hutchinson School in Pelham, NY, and finally retired from the Great Neck, NY school district as a dedicated, conscientious and proud principal. He was devoted to his career, and after retirement worked as an Assistant Principal at Ridgeway School in White Plains, NY, then Interim Principal at W.E. Cottle School in Tuckahoe, NY, next Greenburgh Eleven UFSD, at Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, NY as a Principal and Industrial Arts Teacher. He loved working with children, reading to them, supporting their needs; it was his life's work! He was the owner and proprietor of Tadex Enterprises, his self-made business where he imported/exported posters and fine art from Warsaw, Poland. This filled his heart and soul!
Ted was a social and proud man who loved telling stories, specifically about his Polish roots. He greatly enjoyed visiting his family on Long Island, spending time at the Polish Club, amongst his siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly, and they loved their Uncle Teddy! He was caring, loved helping his community, was involved in political and social issues, always striving to help others. He could spin a tale with anyone, curious about their culture and background he had a bright and magnetic personality. Ted was good for a laugh and showed love his way, by drinking a shot of vodka (or two) with whomever he could do so! He loved the outdoors, spending time with good friends, working with his hands, fixing things, and taking great pride in his home. He was an active man, playing tennis and platform tennis with his buddies, specifically from the White Plains Community Unitarian Church, where he created strong bonds and a lifelong community. He was proud and generous with his time, and played an active role in the church to help transform the grounds, being their "carpenter" in times of need. He also sang in the choir which was a great love and outlet for him!
Ted found great joy in singing, specifically when he was with his family, overflowing with love and pride, he'd belt out "Amazing Grace" and "Hallelujah"! He also played trumpet as a youngster, which he continued throughout his life. Ted and Claire spent much of their time in NYC visiting museums, and sharing their love of opera, ballet, and Broadway shows; the ARTS were very important to them, which they shared with their children as well! They loved traveling to many countries and camping in their 1967 VW camper, driving across the United States as a family, deeply enriching their lives with adventure and new experiences. He also took great pride in his treasured 18' Cabin Cruiser, Malushka, where he was the Captain of his "ship", cruising on Long Island Sound.
Ted will be deeply missed, he was a proud and devoted husband, father and friend. Anyone who was lucky enough to know him will remember his spark, energy and love of life! Spirit Fly!
Please join us for a Memorial Service to honor Thaddeus (Ted) Kuczinski's life on Saturday, December 13th at 11:00 am at the White Plains Community Unitarian Universalist Church, 468 Rosedale Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605. Phone: 914-946-1660. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Arbor Day Foundation, Arborday.org and plant a tree in Thaddeus' honor.