Thomas Kudela

Thomas Kudela, 93, of Vermilion, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Firelands Regional Medical Center Main Campus following a brief illness.

He was born November 18, 1931 in Vermilion, OH, where he remained a lifelong resident.

Thomas graduated from Birmingham High School and spent his career with Lorain Telephone, later Century Communications. He worked his way up through the company, beginning as a lineman and eventually advancing into PBX operations. He took great pride in his work, particularly the line installation he completed for the BP Building in downtown Cleveland. In addition to his telecommunications career, Thomas also owned and operated K’s Diner in Birmingham during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Thomas attended The Chapel in Sandusky and enjoyed bowling, coaching baseball, gardening, traveling with his wife, and most of all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Thomas (Diane) Kudela and Kenneth (Tina) Kudela, both of Vermilion; Rebecca (Terry) Bruce of Vermilion; Diane (Clarence) Ready of Elyria; Charl Gabel of Vermilion; Elizabeth Sharkey of Florida; and Dee (Leon) Krupp of Vermilion; 23 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren and 18 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (nee Herrick) Kudela; daughter, Joann Richardson; granddaughter, Georgenia Marrero; grandson, Jeramiah "JJ" Ready parents, Charles and Mary (nee Podracky) Kudela; and brothers, Charles, Philip, Julius and Andrew Kudela.

The family will receive friends Monday, November 10, 2025 from 4 pm to 8pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Thomas’s name to Serving Our Seniors, 310 E. Boalt Street, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com