John K. Cudahy

John Kevin Cudahy, 78, entered eternal life on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Royal Care, Birch Ridge in Staunton, Virginia. 

John was born into life on February 26, 1946, in Queens, NY, as the only child of the late John Thomas and Ella Lecesse Cudahy. Later, his family moved to Merrick, NY, and John moved to Staunton, VA in 1999.

John dedicated himself to shaping young minds through education. As a science teacher at Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School in a very challenging area of Brooklyn, NY.  His passion for science and his commitment to teaching left a lasting impact on both his students and colleagues.  John also enjoyed his many hobbies which included being an avid photographer who processed a keen eye, love of history and reading historical novels, skiing, Lionel Trains, and a world traveler that encompassed viewing the eclipse of the sun by boat and the pyramids of Egypt.

John began his riding career on Long Island at the Thomas School of Horsemanship where he competed until he discovered foxhunting.   Meeting the Getty family and witnessing the sheer excitement of the chase, he was hooked and purchased his first horse “Duplicate”.  He started foxhunting with Smithtown Hunt, then Suffolk County Hounds, and finally with Middlebrook Hounds Hunt Club where his devotion and loyalty was evident.  But, his great love was his trusty steed “Nimrod” who visited him during his last days.

John was a longtime member of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Staunton, Virginia.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew him but most especially by the Getty/Riley family (AND Nimrod!!) Most remembered him for being the consummate gentleman with a generous and kind heart.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesboro, with a funeral mass to follow at 1:00 PM with the Reverend Matthias Lusembo officiating. 

Interment will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton. 

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a donation to Saint Francis Catholic Church (118 North New Street, Staunton, VA 24401) or Middlebrook Hounds Hunt Club in Middlebrook, VA.