Obituary of Stephen J. Kudless

Lifelong Staten Islander Stephen J. Kudless, Jr. passed away on December 10^th, 2025.

Born on August 29^th, 1940, and raised in Richmondtown, he was the son of the late Stephen J. Kudless and Frances A. Kudless (nee Walsh).

A graduate of the Augustinian Academy high school, he earned a B.A. from Seton Hall University and an M.A. from Wagner College. He was employed by the New York City Board of Education as a teacher of English from 1962 to 1995, for most of these years at New Dorp High School. He also taught at I.S. 49 early in his career, and at the Yeshiva of Staten Island in the evenings.  After his retirement, he served as a full-time instructor at Touro College, Brooklyn, from 1995 to 2012.

Steve was one of the first people to drive across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in 1964, on a much-shortened journey to visit his then-girlfriend Judith Fusco, who resided in Brooklyn. In 1965, they married, and took up residence in Westerleigh, where they raised their children and continued to live thereafter.

Steve’s hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed reading, writing, cooking, listening to WQXR, completing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle, and long walks around Clove Lakes Park. He often spent weekends writing poetry and plays, some of which were published and staged. Until recently, he and Judith had spent their summers in Clinton Corners, NY.

For over 20 years Steve was an avid international traveler, participating in a variety of literary and dramatic seminars and programs abroad.

Steve embodied hard work, kindness, integrity, generosity, and sacrifice for the betterment of others and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judith Kudless; daughter Lia Kudless-Campbell; son Stephen P. Kudless; son-in-law Ned Campbell; daughter-in-law Jody Reisa Kudless; grandson Ryan Kudless; and granddaughter Lindsey Kudless. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Robert J. Kudless.

Steve also leaves behind niece Anastasia Kudless; sister-in-law Claire Kudless (nee Meconi); sister-in-law Carmel Fusco; as well as cousins and lifelong friends.

Friends and family may visit Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Wednesday, December 17^th, from 12 to 2pm and from 3:30 to 5:30pm. A short memorial service will be held at 5:30pm. Interment will be private.