Anthony J. Juodis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Anthony J. Juodis – 80, formerly of Bucks County, PA passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Dad was born and raised in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the only child of Antonas and Rosalie Therese (nee Zemaitis) Juodis. He spent his early years around Fort Mifflin with his Aunts and Cousins and playing pool in his parents’ restaurant bar. Later he could be found shooting hoops on the street side courts year round. During the long summer weekends, he was with family and friends at the Jersey Shore. He was a prolific storyteller, a fierce competitor and a gentle heart. He graduated from South Catholic High School in 1954. A dedicated athlete, he played baseball and varsity basketball. One of his remarkable stories was being served a slice of humble pie on the court by the extraordinary and infamous Wilt Chamberlain’s high school team. He attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. While at Drexel, Dad was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi. He earned his letter in Varsity Swimming, and was Co-Captain of the team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1958. He continued his education at Drexel through 1961, completing coursework for his Master’s Degree. Upon graduation from university, Dad started his career as a Chemical Engineer. For 35+ years, he specialized in plant management. Our favorite stories from his professional career recall his travel to the Middle East and especially his meeting the Shah of Iran. He finally retired after working in Real Estate and Mortgage Brokerage for an additional 10+ years. Undeniably, he prized time and experiences with his family. He never failed to show up at each birthday celebration, sporting event, performance, awards ceremony and graduation for all of his kids and grandkids. Dad could always be counted on to drive the kids and friends anywhere they needed to go. No one was ever too far away to be included and he always waited until each kid walked into their front door before driving off. Mom and Dad planned family and solo vacations at beach and mountain destinations. They took time as a couple to enjoy island resorts in Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean. On family vacations he loved walking the beach, catching waves, body surfing and relaxing back at the house with a good puzzle or John Grisham book. He taught us how to swim. He loved to jump on the toboggan, to snow mobile and a good old-fashioned snow ball fight. He knew how to have a good time. These experiences created the narrative for his many stories. Dad loved to eat; he wanted to know what the next meal was within minutes of finishing the prior. He was known for inhaling the chili dip and other favorites. He usually had the prime seat in front of the best snacks but he would always prep up a chip for whoever asked. He liked key lime pie, seafood, fancy restaurants and your neighborhood hotspot. As long as the food was good, he was on board to try it out. Dad made the family breakfast every Saturday and Sunday, his specialty was home fried potatoes. He loved watching sporting events especially the Philly pro sports teams, kids events and the Olympics, winter or summer. He liked going to the race track and betting the March Madness or Super bowl pools with his sons-in-law and grandsons. All of this said, one of his favorite events was the 1984 Torvill and Dean Ice Dancing routine which captured the gold medal at the Sarajevo Olympics. Dad could surprise you with hidden talents like the Jitterbug contest win with Cousin Elaine and random fact recall. Sometimes, it seemed he knew everything. He was on the ready with a newspaper clipping of specific interest to each of us. He had good advice as needed and a hug when nothing needed to be said. Aileen (nee Parke), his wife of 57 years, his five daughters, Aline (and Glenn) Turner, Karen (and Jack) Kerrane, Joyce (and David) Boekel, Lynne (and Michael) Comstock and Jennifer Malone (and Jeff Natale); thirteen grandchildren, Nicholas, Sara, Brandon, Kaila, Shannon, Sean, Haley, Olivia, Anna, Harrison, Riley, Max and Elena are devastated by his sudden passing. His death leaves us with a heartache that no one can heal. His love leaves us with beautiful memories that no one can steal. Funeral services are being held privately in Cape May.

Anthony J. Juodis

October 13, 1936 - July 4, 2017