Final Salute

Joseph R. Pudloski, age 81, of Akron, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 19th, 2025 after a short but brave battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Frances Pudloski of Kent; his first wife of 41 years Katherine (Dorsch) Pudloski [d. 2012], and his second wife Carol (King) Pitcock-Pudloski [d. 2021]. He is survived by his sons, Commander John J. Pudloski, USN (ret.), his wife Brooke and their daughter, Charlotte of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Master Chief Michael J. Pudloski, USN (ret.), his wife Linda and their daughters, Adriana and Isabella of Massillon; and devoted son Mark J. Pudloski of Akron. He also leaves behind his brothers Frank Pudloski of Reisterstown, Maryland; Richard Pudloski of Atwater; and his sister Janis Malone of Stow, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He proudly served on Active Duty in the United States Navy from 1963-1967, continuing as a Seabee in the 20th Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion for an additional 22 years retiring as a First Class Petty Officer in 1990. He was also a skilled construction electrician working for 40 years at Republic Steel in Canton and was a member of both the USW and IBEW. Always there for his sons, he volunteered as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troops 265 and 921 in Jackson Township and was a member of the Sipp-O Lodge in the Order of the Arrow.
Friends may call on Monday, May 26th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Heitger Funeral Home, 639 First St. N.E., Massillon. Family and friends will meet on Tuesday, May 27th at 11 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish – St. Mary’s Campus in Massillon for a Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Edward Gretchko as Celebrant. This will be followed by an entombment service with full military honors at 12:30 p.m. in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
Please leave condolences here on our tribute page.
(Heitger 330-833-3248)
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