Joe Cuddy

Joseph A. Cuddy, born September 1, 1933, in Manhattan, New York, passed peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. Joe, the beloved son of Joseph A. Cuddy and Helen Catherine Pickens Seha entered a world still recovering from the Great Depression and through these challenges, built a better life for him and his family.

When Joe was eight, his father moved the family to Chillicothe, Ohio, where Joe spent a happy childhood in a home filled with laughter, warmth, and strong family bonds.

At the age of 21, Joe answered the call to serve his country. In 1954, he volunteered for the United States Army and spent a formative year in Monterey, California at the US Army Language Institute. His call to duty was mastering the Czechoslovakian and German languages to support the US efforts in the Korean War. Successfully mastering these skills, Joe used these skills while stationed in Germany, to support these national efforts. This commitment and service to his country he carried with pride and humility throughout his life.

After returning home from his duty, Joe continued his education in the Business Administration School of Economics at Ohio University where he met Nancy A. Friel, the mother of his four children. Together they built a beautiful life in Upper Arlington, Columbus, Ohio.

With his unwavering dedication for service to country and the people, Joe founded and operated the 17th State Insurance Agency and the Accessible Travel Agency. Both companies were established because Joe wanted to make a difference to all people. These ventures reflected his business acumen and his love of helping others.

Joe is survived by his four children—Germaine A. Cuddy, Jude T. Cuddy, Nanette J. Lesher, and Anastasia E. Peterson, and forever committed loving partner Sue Bergman of 36 years. His lineage of family also includes his beloved grandsons Andrew Cuddy and Eric Lesher Jr. and their families. Joe’s large blended family from sons and daughters to their grandchildren, and their great‑grandchildren brought him endless joy.

Joe was always infinitely curious and deeply appreciative of history, photography, art, and the beauty of the world. He traveled across the globe with his children, Sue, and great friends creating memories are cherished forever by all of us and anyone that has had the honor of being with him.

A man of faith and generosity, Joe supported numerous charitable organizations throughout his life. His commitment to education and service inspired him to establish a legacy scholarship for nursing students, the Joe Cuddy Family Nursing Scholarship Fund, named in honor of his father. Through this gift, Joe ensured that his values of compassion, service, and opportunity would continue to touch lives for generations.

Joe’s message to the world was simple and profound: Peace and Love.

May God bless him and hold him gently in the palm of His hand.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Friday, August 7th 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Homes - Southwest Chapel (3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123). Funeral services will immediately follow at 4:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.

Graveside services will take place on Saturday, August 8th 2026 at 2:00 PM at St. Margaret Cemetery (510 Worthington Avenue
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601) with military honors being conducted by active members of The United States Army.