John (Jack) D. Kudla Sr, husband of the late Shirley (Marcantonio) Kudla, died on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Gladeview Rehab & Healthcare in Old Saybrook surrounded by his loving family. Born in Wallingford on January 15, 1929, he was the son of the late Joseph and Betty Kudla and had resided in Meriden for most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II having served with the U.S. Merchant Marines. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Bocci Club of Meriden. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends. He is survived by two sons, John D. Kudla Jr and his wife Pamela of Westbrook and Scott Kudla and his wife Arlene of Plainville; six grandchildren, Lance Kudla, Ricky Kudla and his wife Tammy, John D. Kudla III, Amanda Butkiewicz and her husband Eric, Scott Kudla Jr. and his wife Kayla, and Michael Kudla and his wife Marisa and eight great-grandchildren. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Stanley Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 10 am Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 109 Goodwill Avenue in Meriden. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street in Meriden on Thursday, January 12th from 4 to 7 pm.