71, of Largo, passed away on December 23, 2019 after a brief but hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Born in Sharon, PA on September 29, 1948, David became a family physician after attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He married Cathy Roach in July 1972 and they moved to Largo in 1973, where David originally established a family practice in Largo. He would go on to open practices in Seminole and Belleair Bluffs.
In addition to being known as one of the three Dr. Kudelko brothers of the Suncoast Hospital community, David will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his service to the Catholic Church and community.
David loved completing crossword puzzles, watching Buccaneers and Rays games, and drinking a good Rob Roy. Before GPS was widely used, David was often approached by strangers asking for directions and he was always able to point people in the right direction. He was devoted to his patients, always providing the best care available with the best bedside manner. He was a regular shopper at Publix, visiting multiple locations every day. He loved to cook and often created his own recipes, although he rarely wrote them down. He loved the Florida Gators, cabernet sauvignon wine, and dinners at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber and Bern’s Steakhouse.
A parishioner of St. Cecelia Catholic Church for more than 30 years, he was a longtime member of the parish finance council. He was also a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the Pinellas County Osteopathic Society. David previously served as a member of the City of Largo Zoning Advisory Board. He was also a longtime supporter of his children’s schools, St. Cecelia Catholic School, Clearwater Central Catholic High School and the University of Florida.
David is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathy; his four children, David (Jodi) of Lakewood Ranch, Justin of Largo, Rachel Lyon (Cody) of Largo and Sarah Calabrese (Doug) of Palm Harbor; his brothers, Dr. Paul Kudelko (Debbie) of Belleair and Dr. Robert Kudelko (Kathleen) of Seminole; his sister, Dee Germond of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; six grandchildren, Heyden and Elise Kudelko, Audrey and Hannah Lyon, and Aurora Calabrese with a granddaughter on the way in February; and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 4-7pm with a prayer service at 6pm. A funeral Mass at St. Cecelia Church will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11am.
