John R. Shudy

1937 - 2025

John R. Shudy, Jr., born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 8, 1937 to John Sr. and Caroline Shudy, passed away peacefully at his home on May 5, 2025.

The family lived in Cleveland, moving to Brunswick, Ohio and eventually settling in Strongsville, Ohio where they had a delicatessen that served the community for many years. John was involved in many sports at Strongsville High School and was a 4-year letterman when he graduated. As a young man he worked in many different fields until he was hired at American Airlines at Cleveland Hopkins airport where he eventually became a ramp supervisor.

He also served in the Army National Guard with time spent in Michigan during those years.

He married Beverly, his high school sweetheart, and they have 3 children.

John married Karenina (Karen) in 1972, and their lives brought them to Tucson in 1973.

John worked at Hughes Aircraft for 14 years before retiring. His interest in motorcycling was one of the things he enjoyed most. He was also an avid NASCAR fan.

Early on he and his wife of 53 years were involved with a Honda group and 2 other groups that invited all brands, eventually Harley came into the picture. John and his wife are life members of the Harley Davidson Owners Group and have been members of the local Tucson Harley chapter for 33 years. They were very active early on in various positions in the chapter until health became an issue later in life. Long-distance trips were what they enjoyed most, travelling to Milwaukee for the 95th and 100th anniversaries. They also attended the Love Ride in 1994 in California, which was featured as the largest MDA fund-raising event at that time. They rode to Street Vibrations in Reno, Nevada for many years. During 30 years of riding to many far away destinations, many friendships were made that continue to this day.

John is survived by his wife Karenina (Karen), son Kevin Shudy (Linda) daughter Kim Wilson (Kent) daughter Wendy Strauss (Matt).

Grandfather of Brandon Wilson (Tiffany) Kallie Wilson, Victoria Vanags (Alex) Kara Shudy, Carissa Heising (John) Sidney Strauss.

Great-grandfather of Everly and Xander Wilson and Griffin Heising, and John's sister Carolyn Veal.

John's spirit and smile live on in the hearts of friends and family.