GLADSTONE, Mich. - Earl William Cudia, 83, of Gladstone, passed away on Wednesday morning, October 28, 2009, at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba following a long illness.

Earl was born on July 5, 1926, in Detroit, the son of Philip and Myrtle Cudia and attended the local schools.

Earl served in WWII on the Naval Destroyer U.S.S. Dortch in the South Pacific. He began service in December 1944 and was honorably discharged in March 1946.

He was later employed at the Burroughs Corporation in Detroit.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph; and two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Kosovac and Marjorie Kumpula.

Earl is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marie (Aho) Cudia; sisters-in-law, Theresa Cudia of Royal Oak, Mich. and Barbara (Russ) Kinnunen of Tapiola; nephews, Kenneth, David and Gerald; and other numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and burial will be held next spring at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.

Ryan Funeral Home is serving the family.