Roman Kudela

On Monday, August 3, 2026, at the age of 80

ROMAN KUDELA

Peacefully entered into eternal rest.

Roman was born on November 4, 1945 in a displaced persons camp to Ukrainian refugees Levko and Raisa Kudela. The family came to the United States through Ellis Island in 1950 before settling on the Lower East Side of NY. Roman graduated from Stuyvesant High School and the University of Winnipeg before receiving his MSW from Fordham University. While attending Fordham, he worked as a cab driver in NY.

Roman did humanitarian work on behalf of Ukraine as a journalist, advocate for Soviet dissidents, and social worker. He then began his career at the Children's Services of NY. Throughout his career, he was an activist for union rights.

Roman had a deep love for his family, faith, and Ukrainian heritage. He was a parishioner of St. Andrew’s UOC. He was a diehard Yankee fan and loved his black labs.

Roman’s beloved wife Melanie predeceased him. Roman leaves behind:

--son, Gabriel Kudela

--son, Damien Kudela, and his wife Fei Kudela

--extended family in Ukraine.

Parastas and viewing will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, NJ from 10 a.m. to noon pm. Funeral services will take place at noon following the viewing at the same church, followed by burial at St. Andrew Cemetery, South Bound Brook, NJ. Following the burial, a memorial luncheon will be held in the church hall.

Eternal Memory!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in memory of Roman and Melanie be made to: Razom for Ukraine https://www.razomforukraine.org/