Victor Kudrin

East Lyme - Victor Kudrin, 86, of East Lyme passed into eternal life Tuesday, Aug. 9, after a brief illness. He was born in Odessa, Russia, the son of Arseny and Ilsa Kudrin. He emigrated to the U.S. after World War II, and upon completion of his education joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada where he served as a medic. He was also a swim instructor and lifeguard at the Officers Club.

He then became interested in furthering his education and upon his discharge he enrolled at NYU School of Radiology for his certification in Xray technology. He was employed at the Rusk Institute in Manhattan, N.Y. It was there that he met "the love of his life" Themis and declared on a daily basis she was the best thing to ever happen to him. He and his wife, Themis Matis Kudrin recently celebrated 60 years of a most happy marriage.

He enrolled at SUNY School of Nursing in New York State and after graduation married Themis and relocated to New London where he was accepted at the L+M School of Anesthesia and became a registered nurse anesthetist and an APRN. He remained in the L+M anesthesia department for 38 years. During his employment he was declared the most requested anesthetist by both patients and surgeons alike. Victor was dedicated and hardworking, loved his profession, and retired at age 67.

He was known as "golden hands" by his family as he could repair or build almost anything. Most importantly he was a loving, kind, gentle and dedicated husband and father and a friend to many.

He also enjoyed working his property, planting shrubs, bushes and trees. At one time, Victor had a hobby of collecting European glass Christmas ornaments, which amounted to close to 500 which took three days to decorate a large tree.

He is a member of St Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church and AHEPA. The family would like to thank all the staff at L+M 4.1 and 4.2 units for all of their exceptional care and kindness.

In addition to his wife Themis, he is survived by his daughter Elissa Nauman and her husband Steve; two grandchildren; a brother-in-law John Matis of New York; a sister Natalia Patenaude of New Jersey; and many many cousins.

A viewing will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church followed by the funeral liturgy at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London. A celebration of his life will be scheduled in the future. Please do not send flowers and instead make a contribution to St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead Street, New London, CT 06320. Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London is assisting with these arrangements. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.