Thaddeus Richard Duda

Thaddeus Richard Duda, 88, of Sterling, NY, departed this earth for Heaven at St. Joseph's Hospital on January 16, 2026, with complications of congestive heart failure. He was dearly loved by his family and will be sorely missed by both family and friends.

Richard was born in Erie, PA on August 27, 1937, the son of the late Thaddeus and Genevieve Zaborowski Duda. In 1955 he graduated from East High School in Erie, PA, and then two years later from Behrend College as an electrical engineer. As a first generation American, he demonstrated his commitment to his country by joining the United States Navy Reserves from 1954-1962. As a young man he worked at Hammermill Paper Company in Erie, PA, and was a leader in the Youth For Christ movement in that city. In the 1960s, Richard relocated from Erie to Oswego, NY to continue his career at Hammermill Paper Company's Oswego plant, eventually settling in Sterling, NY, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was well-known in the community for his involvement in the local churches as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and youth group leader.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 57 years, Judith Joy Duda, three daughters, Kathleen (Casmir) Usiatynski, Deborah (Eric) Porter, and Sarah (Kevin) Duda-Kosnik, and one son, John Richard Duda. He is also survived by 8 treasured grandchildren, Katrina (Jared) Usiatynski Bouldin, Sophia Usiatynski, Alyssa (Ben) Bialek, Nathan Porter, Rachel Porter, Katelyn Porter, Logan Kosnik, and Kalvin Kosnik, as well as one great-granddaughter, Analia Joy Bouldin.

Richard also leaves behind one sister, Barbara J. Zebo, and two brothers, David (Debby) Duda, and James Larry Duda, as well as valued nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Julianna Grace Usiatynski and Arel Anthony Usiatynski.

Friends may call at the Emmanuel Baptist Bible Church, 15564 NY 104, Martville, NY on Saturday, January 24 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. with the memorial service to begin at 4:00 p.m. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in the Springbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Through the Bible Radio, PO Box 7100, Pasadena, CA, 91109, or St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 973 James St, Suite 250, Syracuse, NY 13203.