RENSSELAERVILLE — John Martin “Jack” Kudlack Jr., who served as an Army medic in Vietnam and then worked as a nurse and police officer, always helped other people.

He died on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

Mr. Kudlack was born in Paterson, New Jersey on Sept. 17, 1943, and spent most of his youth in Greenville where he helped his father on his dairy farm. He graduated from Greenville Central School and was drafted into the United States Army, where he became a medic and served in Vietnam.

After his active duty service, he had many different occupations.  He joined the 364th General Hospital reserve unit in Albany, where he became a licensed practical nurse, then furthered his education at Maria College, becoming a registered nurse.

“Jack worked at Albany Medical Center and at New York State Corrections as an R.N., retiring as a nurse administrator,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He also retired from the Army reserves after a total of 27 years, with the rank of Master Sergeant. Among other duties, he taught medics in the reserves.  For many years, he was an active member of the American Legion.

“Jack was a town judge in Greenville, then a police officer in Greenville and Coxsackie. He was an active member of the Greenville Rescue Squad, which he helped to form. He also managed a gas station in Greenville. Jack was an active member and past president of the Rensselaerville Volunteer Fire Company. He always helped other people.

“Jack enjoyed golfing, and fishing at Elk Lake with his best friend, John Pratt.

“Jack has a large family, including his prior wife, Patricia Weeks, mother of their three children: son Craig, his wife, Cathy, and son Craig Jr; daughter, Rachael, and her son, Michael; and son John III and his wife Angie; his widow, Connie Kudlack, her son, Shawn McAdoo, his wife,Alys ,and their children, Brandon and Kiersten.

“Jack’s siblings include his brother Richard, his wife, Lynn, and son Christopher; sister, Cathy, her husband, Mark Gamsjager, and their sons, Austen and Thomas; and his brother, Andy. Jack has many cousins and friends.”

After a funeral service and American Legion service on Sept. 26, 2024, burial with honors was on Sept. 27 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

“Thank you to the staff of Our Lady of Mercy Care Center, and to Community Hospice of Albany, for the care you gave to Jack,” his family wrote.