Joseph V. Cuda, 88, entered into rest Saturday, August 17, 2013, in the comfort of his home, with his loved ones by his side. He was born in Utica, NY, the son of the late Vincent and Mary Colosimo Cuda. After the death of his mother, Vincent Cuda remarried Rosaria Sarina Pusateri Cuda, who Joe loved as his own mother. He was educated in local schools and was a graduate of TR Proctor High School. Joe enlisted into the United States Navy in 1943, was a Machinist's Mate Second Class, saw action in the Pacific theater and was honorably discharged in 1946. On June 17, 1950, Joe married the former Dolores C. Pellettieri, a commitment of love and trust of 61 years, until Dolores' passing on April 15, 2011. Joe labored as a carpenter for many years and was last employed with Utica Concrete, as an estimator. He was a communicant of St. Agnes Church and most recently, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. John. Also for many years he was a member of the Tau Phi Zeta Fraternity, serving as president and most recently, the acting treasurer for the past 40 years. Joe's passions revolved around camping with his family and friends and fishing with "the boys " on the St. Lawrence River and Oneida Lake. The rest of his time he was either golfing or assisting anyone who needed help with home repairs. Joe leaves behind his two sons and a daughter: Clifford and his wife Elise Cuda, Douglas and his wife Pamela Cuda, of Oriskany, and Kathy and her husband Will Heater, of Syracuse, NY. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren: Danielle and Mohamed Hemmid, Rebecca and Clautire Duclair, Emily Cuda , Joseph and Molly Cuda, Adriana and Brett Harris , Samantha Heater and Elizabeth Heater and great grandchildren, Sophia Hemmid and Jackson Cuda. Also surviving are his three sister-in-laws, Theresa Cuda and Mary Jane Sirianni, both of Utica, Evelyn Dunning of Cicero, NY and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother Donald G. Cuda, brother-in-laws, Anthony Sirianni and William Dunnning, and nieces, Suzanne House and Carol Ann Polizzi. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude and thanks to all of whom gave of their time and compassion in caring for Joe and contributing to his comfort in many ways during these last several weeks, particularly to Dr. Kevin McCormick, Jennifer & their staff, Hospice Palative Care and The Guardian Angels. A celebration of life with military honors will be held, Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes at 10 a.m., where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Salerno, Pastor. Entombment will be at the convenience of the family, at Calvary cemetery. Family and friends may call Tuesday, August 20, 2013, 4-7 p.m, at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee St., Utica, NY. Arrangements are under the guidance of John L. Matt Jr., Funeral Director of the John L. Matt Funeral Home in Chadwicks, NY. In lieu of flowers and with deepest gratitude, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Palative Care or a charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the church. To send an online message of sympathy: www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com