The New England Patriots lost an original member of the franchise's family over the weekend with the death of Walt Cudzik, who died at his home in Gulf Shores, Alabama on Sunday, December 11. He was 73.
Cudzik joined the American Football League's (AFL) Boston Patriots in their inaugural season in 1960. For the next four seasons, he anchored the offensive line as the team's center, appearing in all 56 games from 1960-63. In 1963, the veteran offensive lineman was named an offensive team captain. That year, the Patriots won their first division title and played in their first AFL Championship game.
Memorial service details, provided by the Pine Rest Memorial Park Funeral Home, are included below:
Pine Rest Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Inc.P.O. Box 328 Foley, AL 36536 (251) 943-5667 FAX (251) 943-2780
www.pinerest.com
Walter Jacob "Walt" Cudzik, 73
Memorial services for Walter J. "Walt" Cudzik, 73, a native of Chicago, Ilinois and resident of Gulf Shores, Alabama who died at his home on Sunday, December 11th will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 14th in the chapel of Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley, Alabama. Interment will follow at a later date in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
A graduate of Purdue University, Walt Cudzik played football for the Purdue Boilermakers (1952-1953), and following graduation played professional football for the Washington Redskins (1954), the Boston Patriots (1960-1963) and the Buffalo Bills (1964), where he was part of the Bills' 1964 AFL Champiuonship team.
Following his football career, he earned a law degree and practiced as an attorney until his retirement in 2002.
He is survived by his daughter Corina Cudzik Black of Lakewood, Colorado; his sons Michael W., Jon T. and David C. Cudzik, all of Gulf Shores, Alabama; his sister Brenda Wendryhoski of Metairie, Louisiana and his grandson Eric Black of Lakewood, Colorado.
The family will receive friends at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley, Alabama on Wednesday, December 14th from 3PM until 4PM and following the memorial service, and suggests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice. Cremation and funeral arrangements are by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley, Alabama.
