Joseph F. Cuddy, Jr.

Joseph F. Cuddy Jr. 1943 ~ 2008   Chicopee- Joseph "Joe" F. Cuddy Jr., 63, of Chicopee and formerly of Holyoke, passed peacefully at home on Saturday April 19, 2008. Joe was born in Holyoke on October 27, 1943 the son of the late Joseph F. Cuddy Sr., who died in WWII, and Vilma (Furman) Cuddy. He graduated from Holyoke High School and Nasson College. Joe was the area director for the United States Specialty Sports Association and was the former owner/manager of the Club House Sports Bar in Holyoke. He was also a college professor who taught history. Joe is survived by his daughter, Aimee J. Cuddy of Chicopee; his former wife, Pamela J. (Ladue) Mackenzie of Southbridge, MA; and many close friends in the softball and bowling world. Joe dedicated 28 years to the United States Specialty Sports Association. He served as an umpire, Area Director, assigner and Area Umpire in Chief. He will be inducted into the New England USSSA Hall of Fame in March 2009 for everything that he has done for the organization. Joe spent the last 10 years as the director of a Sunday Night Co-ed league as well as fall leagues through out Western Mass.In addition to directing leagues, Joe is also well known for running the Sheldon's Early Bird Tournament and the Pumpkin season closing tournament each year for almost 30 years. Joe was also involved with the Special Olympics having been instrumental in bringing in softball officials for the different events that the Special Olympics hosted. Before becoming an official in slow-pitch softball, Joe spent many years as a player and coach, pitching and coaching for the Sheldon's Lounge in the Chicopee Leagues. USSSA was not the only organization that Joe served with pride. Joe spent four years as a high school fast pitch umpire and 12 years umpiring in the Holyoke Men's League serving the Amateur Softball Association. During the winter when softball wasn't going on, Joe stayed busy as a scorekeeper and time clock operator for the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department. He also stayed busy bowling in a least one league during the year. Joe spent over half his life serving the softball world and all those involved in it. He will be best remembered for cracking jokes and his unique organizational style. Joe touched the lives of so many people as an official but also as a friend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday April 24, 2008 from 1-3 p.m. & 5-8 p.m. at the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway, Chicopee. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 3, 2008 with time and location TBA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the Joseph F. Cuddy Jr. Memorial Fund at any Bank of America branch. For those who wish memorial contributions can be mailed to Bank of America, 638 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA01020. For directions or online guestbook, please visit www.tylunasfuneralhome.com .