Richard "Bud" Kudzma

Naugatuck - Richard “Bud” Kudzma’s final job as a master carpenter and loving husband here on earth was completed suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, August 19, 2023. His 60-year gift to this world as a talented craftsman, avid gardener, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, confidant, and family member left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him. His life made this world a better place.

Bud was born on August 11, 1963, in Seymour, CT, the son of the late Michael and Gloria (Sullivan) Kudzma. His early years were filled with serving his country in the United States Army National Guard and building a successful business in which his customers became family and friends. This 60-year undertaking was filled with many stops and new starts, expeditions, and detainments, as well as a few terminations and rehires! Although his “crew” changed often; much of the early phases were filled with supportive friends. His final and best years were his last eleven; when he met the love of his life and became the cherished husband and best friend of Karen Purcaro-Kudzma. This was a love story written in the stars and from the beginning they were soulmates.

Besides his wife, Bud is survived by his daughters Alyson Edgecomb and her husband Anthony of Fredericksburg, VA; Sara Rioux and her husband Dustin of Bristol, CT; his grandchildren Zoe and Reese Edgecomb, and Natalie, Adam, and Paige Rioux.

He leaves behind his step-mother Susana Porcu, his sisters Teresa Porcu Proulx, Angela Porcu Fish, Christina Porcu Meyers, and Victoria Porcu, all of southern California. He will be missed by his Uncle Conrad and Aunt Lois Kudzma of Meriden, CT and his cousins Eric Kudzma, and Kyrsten Kudzma Pietrusewiecz of Wallingford and Southington respectfully.  As well as his cousins Jill Gregario and Jamie DiPasquale (John) of Naugatuck and the children of his cousins.

In summation, he leaves his beloved brothers and sisters-in-law William and Susanne Daly, of Naugatuck and Anthony and Kate Purcaro of Torrington, CT; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family in California. 

In addition to his parents, Bud is predeceased by his favorite aunt and godmother Marilyn (Sullivan) Mierzejewski of Ansonia, and his biological father Salvatore Porcu.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, September 4, 2023, from 12 PM to 3 PM at Hawk’s Ridge Winery in Watertown, CT. Friends and Family are invited to stop by and to share memories and stories of Bud as he would have wanted.  The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck is assisting with arrangements.  To support his love for animals, memorial contributions can be made to the nonprofit Operation Hood or Alyson's Adoptables

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