Thomas Kudrako

Thomas Richard Kudrako, 77, of Dupont, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, due to injuries sustained in a fire at his home.

Born in Pittston on Aug. 17, 1948, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas and Mary Ann (Mackachinas) Kudrako.

A graduate of the Wyoming Area High School Class of 1967, he went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1974, including a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. His commitment to his fellow servicemen continued throughout his life as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4909 in Dupont.

Before his retirement, Thomas was a dedicated member of the Iron Workers Union Local 489. Recognized as one of the union's top welders, he received numerous accolades for his skill and craftsmanship over the course of his career.

An outdoorsman at heart, Thomas spent many years hunting and relaxing at his beloved campsite in the Poconos, which he affectionately nicknamed "The Ponderosa." He was a talented handyman who could fix or build almost anything, a passionate gardener, and was widely known for his signature homemade strawberry wine. An avid Penn State fan, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Nittany Lions.

Thomas's greatest passion was motorcycles. He spent a lifetime on two wheels and was a dedicated member of his motorcycle club, riding with the Vietnam Vets for over 30 years. To his brothers on the road, he was affectionately known as "Mandrake."

Surviving are his wife, with whom he was together with for 18 years, Donna (Estus) Kudrako; his son, Thomas Kudrako Jr., Nevada; his daughter, Karry Ann Kudrako, Nanticoke; three grandchildren, Amanda, Collin, and Connor; two great-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Cayden; stepdaughters, Amber and Crystal; stepgrandchildren, Logan, Liliana, Kierra, and Gauge; his siblings, Renee Kundratik and her husband, Andy, Duryea; Lois Connors, and her husband, Richard, Kingston Twp.; Ronald Kudrako, Wilkes-Barre; Arlene Balutis, Falls; Janet Clark, Ransom Twp.; Edward Kudrako, Falls; David Kudrako and his wife, Agnes, Centermoreland; and Billy Ray Toler and his wife, Lisa, Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Thomas's viewing from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bednarski Funeral Home, 168 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Services will be held at 6:45 p.m. with the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston providing military honors.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bednarskifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Thomas's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, at www.stjude.org.