Dear Julianne and the Ludka family,
My sincere sympathy in the passing of John. I was associated with John and IBM. A great worker and friend. Always upbeat and kept you laughing. May you find God's strength during these days.
Gene Johnson

Our deepest sympathies to the Ludka family.  I have so many fond memories at church of looking up in the choir loft and seeing "big John".  You will forever be missed.  Thank you John for your gentle spirit and tender smile.  St. Mary's will not be the same without you!!!

Aunt Marie, Cousins Bernadette, Jean, Joni and Julienne,  Our sincere sympathy and condolences in Uncle John's passing.  He was always such a kind and gentle man during our many Christmas and Easter holiday celebrations together.  These remain very fond memories of our times together.  The Lord has called him home and now he will continue to look down upon us and guide our lives through gods eyes till we once again come together.  All our love, Rick and Linda Ludka, Belize, C.A.

To all the Ludka families, We are so sorry to learn of John's passing, he was a true gentleman and admired by everyone.
Jim & Claire Piccirilli

John was known by us as the "Gentle Giant "  a hero to all of JC especially the North Siders.

Dear Ludka, I am sorry for your loss. I knew your Husband and Dad from Pancho's Pit when he came in to pick up Marie. A wonderful giant of a man.

Dear Family- we are so sorry for your loss.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

John & I worked a chicken bar b que for
the A&P sponsered by Bill Gumbo. I also
worked him at IBM. He was one of the good guys. My semothy to the family.

Black lake will always remember John(too tall)

Marie and family--
I started this out with some sadness in my heart, but thinking of John and you, the sadness was gone.What a wonderful life you two must have had!
I will never forget seeing a small car pull into the shop driveway and head straight to the pond. I watched a fishing pole appear, then a gentleman of considerable height stood up. Yep. It was ole Ludka, up to check on one of his vendors.
Quite a few years later while at Sams Club, there he was, same ole John. I had tears in my eyes.
Shortly after that, we met you.
No more sadness. The family from Gilbert Tool--husband, wife, son, and daughter, loved him also.

Mrs. Ludka and family.  I worked with John at IBM and what a wonderful man he was.  He was kind, gentle, and very well thought of.  I can say that I was honored to know him.  May God give you peace and comfort in your loss.

Love and Prayers Sent to the Family of a wonderful Uncle greatly loved and will be missed.Ric and Rhonda Perez and Family

Growing up in "Polish Heaven" in the 40's and 50's, I was fortunate enough to know the entire Ludka family.  I remember the guys growing beards and showing off their basketball skills as players for the House of David.
I spoke with John last August when we talked about our memories of growing up; John told me about the day he fell through the ice in the Bricky Pond and went in up to his waist.  He was afraid to go home and have his mother see him soaked.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

Bernadette & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you will cherish all the great memories of a wonderful father.

Dear Marie and family,
We are so sad to hear about John's passing. What good memories we have of getting together with the Ludka family over the holidays last year...it had been such a long time. I'm especially glad that my husband, Jose, and my daughter, Shay, got to meet "big John"...the picture I took of Shay's tiny hand next to his is priceless. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sharon (Linfante), Jose & Shay Salazar

Wishing I was there during this tough time. My thoughts are with the Ludka family. 

Robert George

So many great memories of Uncle John!  From picking me up at 4 and looking down how high I was to cooking Speedies at Family Reunions and leading the prayer at my mom's funeral. He was so kind to comfort me when I lost my father with stories of how my dad helped him.  His heart was truly as large as he was.  I love fishing with Uncle John in my boat in Florida.  It was a 17ft Bow Rider but he made it seem like a row boat.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Julianne Maria Christopher and family I am so sorry for your loss He was a very patient loving man to our family He went out of his way to always show kindness and concern May you be comforted and he rest in peace Death leaves a heartache no one can heal But Love leaves a memory no one can steal and I am sure he has left wonderful lasting memories for all of you he will always be right there with you in your Heart?Love and Prayers Kathy Ingraham Stark

Dear Mary and Family:
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.  John was a very special and kind man.  I truly miss not seeing you guys  lately. remember Mary you both have always been in my thoughts   God Speed
Lucile Lindsley (Piccirilli)

I have many wonderful memories of John and family.
Love,
Dick Capalaces

Mrs. Ludka, Joni, Bernadette, Jean Marie, and Julianne -- the hours I spent in your home with all of you, in the company of your warm, kind, funny, gracious father, so many years ago, I will never forget. Thanks to your family for sweet childhood memories. God bless you all and give you peace.

Dear Marie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.  John was always such a pleasant and caring person.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Dear Marie,Bern,Jean,Joni and 
Julianne:
So sorry to read of John's passing this morning. Our very sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time.
I have fond memories of him growing up when our families would have get-togethers and all you girls and my sisters & I would all play and have a great time!
You are in my prayers!
*Sending you much sympathy from my Mom, MaryJane also.
Love,

Schuey & I are so sorry for your loss.  Know that Poppa is with God & God will provide you comfort during this time.

I had the honor of officiating a basketball game with John at Whitney Point many years ago. I also worked with him at G.E. in westover. I saw him play for the house of david basketball team!He the nicest guy and consederate of all! He was also a exccellent basketball player at 6'9 !

John was truly a gentleman and a "gentle giant". I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work with John @ IBM Owego. I never heard John talking about anyone and was always fun to be around. Thanks John for all the good times and laughs.

To Marie & Family:
John was a true "Gentle Man". We will always smile when we think of him and all the memories. May He rest in Peace.
Much love,
Carolyn & Vinny

Aunt Marie, Bernadette, Jean Marie, Joni, and Julianne I am so very sorry and saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle John. He was a wonderful man with a quick wit and bright spirit. I will always remember him bringing a radio to our DellaRocco family reunions and so many other family functions so everyone could listen to the Yankees. He will be greatly missed. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as I know you did the same with our dear grandmother Tillie. Love you all! -Kelly Ciotoli

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  John was such a wonderful man.
Karyn Radicchi and Bill Svoboda

You will always be an inspiration to me Uncle John, Please continue to help guide me and watch over all of us.  I look forward to being with you again

     Uncle John was a true treasure.  He was someone that loved equally and unconditionally.  He knew who each of us nieces and nephews were and our children too; right up to his passing.  I have so many memories and they are all warm and loving.  
     When my father (Tommy DellaRocco) was ill, Uncle John went above and beyond the call of duty to help.  I had personal medical challenges at that time and Uncle John was right there to help in any way that he could.  That is something that I will never forget and I will be forever grateful.  Uncle John was a true mentor to so many.  He will be missed by several generations.  
     Your loving niece,
       Concetta Ferragamo 
     (AKA, Connie DellaRocco)

OBITUARY

John F. Ludka

January 28, 1926 – February 24, 2013

James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Visitation