Name: Celebration of Life for Joseph P. KUDYBA
Start: 2019-03-09T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-03-09T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center

Sometimes known as the Truculent Turtle, Joseph Paul Kudyba died on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. A pioneer in the health and fitness movement in the Palm Beach area during the 70's, Joe's zeal for jogging lead him to be instrumental in founding the Palm Beach Runners club as well as teaching a course at Palm Beach Junior College. When not running, he enjoyed playing handball, completing the NYT crossword (with pen), or reading a good book. Joe moved to West Palm Beach in 1967 from his native New York City. Joe is survived by his spouse of fifty years, Sharon. Upon his arrival to West Palm Beach, Joe helped open Jordan Marsh in the Palm Beach Mall. Joe then worked for Novartis Pharmaceuticals (Sandoz) from 1970 to 1994. Joe was well known for his wit, charm and unique personal style. After retiring, Joe continued to work, traveling the 50 states moderating medical education meetings for Boron Lepore, and in more recent times at Il Lugano in Palm Beach. A tough competitor and fierce fighter from his UDT days in the Navy serving on the USS Enterprise, Joe ran the Turkey Trot 5k race as recently as 2014, finishing 3rd place in his age group. He battled cancer from 2012 to 2019. He is survived by children, Penny, Lisa Kelly, Tommy Kelly, Paul, and Desiree as well as grandchildren, Jason and Jack Kelly, and Zoe Kudyba. Quattlebaum Funeral Center, 6411 Parker Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 - Services: Celebration of Life followed by Memorial Service with Military Honors 12:00PM to 2:00PM and service 2:00PM to 3:00PM on Saturday, March 9, 2019.

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Published by Palm Beach Post on Mar. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph KUDYBA

Sponsored by Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center.

15 Entries

FRANK DI ORSINI

August 25, 2025

Joe was a great man, as anyone here knows. I met Joe at the Raindancer Steakhouse as he was a regular. We became good friends and would frequently get together for breakfast at Testas on Palm Beach. Joe even attended my graduation from Marine Corps boot camp and drove both me and my wife home from Paris Island, SC. Joe's wit was like no other, his smooth words with the ladies, and his impeccable style, Joe reminded me of a Steve McQueen type of guy. I'll never forget, Joe's response to me whenever I'd say "it's nice to see you". His response was "It's better to be seen than viewed" that one has always stuck with me along with many others. Joe has now made the transition into the next life, God bless him and he is missed.

Mona Payne

July 29, 2020

Deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. I will miss his stories and wit and what a good friend he always was. Rest in peace my dear friend. I will miss you. You were definitely one of a kind.

Tony Haugan

April 19, 2020

He was an amazing person
And a good friend

Marina

March 7, 2020

One year has passed, miss my dear friend Joe tremendously and always will.

Suzette Stanley

April 16, 2019

Joe Kudyba was the most interesting person I ever met in my entire life. He was absolutely larger than life. He over flowed with charisma. I will never ever meet anyone else in this world like Joe Kudbya..he was one of a kind.

April 2, 2019

Sharon: I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you in your time of need

Marina Paul

March 8, 2019

Joe was such a good dear friend to so many of us. I cherish the friendship I was so fortunate to have with him. I will miss his humour, his wit, his knowledge, his stories, his advice, his willingness to always listen. I can't believe he is gone... I will never forget him

My sincere condolences to his entire family

Carolyn O'Connor

March 8, 2019

Joe was not a "woulda, coulda, shoulda" kind of fella. Instead,he was everyone's go to person whenever someone needed a shoulder to cry or lean on or a gentle push to goal setting. He was the person that one could share joy with as he truly understood and appreciated your happiness. He stood tall among men, not only for his military service but also because of his lifelong sense of integrity, honesty, compassion, humor and love for his family and his faith. My condolences to his family as they face going forward without the love and guidance of the man who would and could bring so much joy to their lives. There is no "shoulda" in his vernacular as Joe did not live by that mantra. He was all about being the best at all he undertook. He will be greatly missed.

March 6, 2019

From a life long friend; you will be missed deeply! I do hope the seas are calmer in your next journey!

Tom Wilson

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Phil Dunmire

March 5, 2019

With deep respect for Joes service as a UDT Sailor. Fair winds and following seas Joe!

Philip L. Dunmire

Sent Flowers

March 5, 2019

Dear family and friends of Joseph, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with time. Isaiah 61: 1.2 Sincerely,Pamela

March 4, 2019

I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad an difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)