Obituary for Charles Kudan Charles Kudan, born January 19, 1924, brought love, light and joy to life. He left this earth a better place because he lived. Charles passed away the morning of April 8, 2018, a bright and clear Sunday morning.
Charles “Chuck” was born to Nathan and Mary Kudan of Glens Falls, NY, one of five siblings. He was predeceased by his parents, sister, Sylvia and brother, Max. He is survived by his brothers, Norman Kudan of Glens Falls, NY and Rabbi Harold Kudan of Chicago, IL as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Charles was a medic in World War II. He landed on Omaha Beach D-Day plus 6. His unit was trapped on the beach until the forces opened Cherbourg and he followed the team of engineers that brought the fuel pipeline through Europe.
Upon discharge, Charles went to St. Lawrence University on the GI Bill. He met the “love of his life,” Georgia Rose Heppe and they married in 1951. They had three children.
Their marriage was unique in its day as Charles came from an Orthodox Jewish family and Georgia from a Lebanese Maronite Catholic and German Lutheran family. Each of their respective families reflected the love and respect Georgia and Chuck had for each other. Defying social, religious and cultural norms, their marriage was accepted and their family embraced with love.
Professionally, Charles was Assistant Director of Probation for Westchester County until he retired in 1986. He was also a psychiatric social worker who helped to initiate and operationalize the community care program for chronically hospitalized veterans at Montrose VA Hospital. The program continues to this day with a mobile therapeutic team that supports our veterans in the community.
Charles left his condo in White Plains, a city in which he lived for over 60 years. He came to live with his youngest daughter, Elizabeth in Beacon, NY where he enjoyed a loving and fun filled life until his passing. Chuck’s wife, Georgia predeceased him in 1998.
Charles is survived by his daughter, Barbara O’Brien and son-in-law, Dennis O’Brien of Cold Spring, NY; his grandsons, “the lights of his life,” Devin and Aaron O’Brien of Brooklyn, NY; his son, John “Sunshine” Kudan of New York City and his daughter, Elizabeth Kudan and daughter-in-law, Christine Ulrich of Beacon, NY. A man of service. A beloved father, generous, always funny and full of love and life, infinitely kind, wise and steadfast; the consummate husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
Charles was a generous contributor to many charities. The family asks that you make a donation to a charity important to you in his name. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
To send a personal condolence please visit www. riverviewbyhalvey.com. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC, Beacon, New York.
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