Dr. Joseph A. Kuczkowski

Joseph Andrew Kuczkowski, age 85, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, ingenuity, and dedication to his family.

Born in Buffalo, New York, to the late Joseph and Florence Kuczkowski, Joe grew up with a passion for learning. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s High School, earned his Bachelor’s (1963) and Master’s (1966) degrees from Canisius College, completed his doctorate at Wayne State University (1968) and furthered his post-doctoral work at Tulane University. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, earning the Army Commendation Medal for his work as a pathologist in tissue and blood analysis.

Following his military service, Joe enjoyed a distinguished career as an organic chemist at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber company for almost 30 years; where he became a prolific inventor holding 24 patents in rubber chemistry—including key innovations that significantly enhanced tire safety for everyone on the road. He was bestowed with the Melvin Mooney award and Charles Goodyear medal, which distinguished him with the highest honors in rubber chemistry from the American Chemical Society, Rubber division. Joe always talked about his friends from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company saying they were: “Some of the best rubber scientists in the world."

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was a true jack-of-all-trades; there was simply nothing he couldn’t build or fix. He loved spending time outdoors and served as the cherished cook for the Put-in-Bay Fishing Club for 30 years. He loved spending time at his lake house in Port Clinton, Ohio fishing, sailing, and playing his horns to his favorite Polka’s all while enjoying a good, cold beer. Joe was an active and faithful member of St. Eugene Catholic Church for over 50 years. He had many close friends throughout his life including members the American Legion and Cuyahoga Falls’ Fraternal Order of Eagles club.

Above all, Joe was devoted to his family. He married the love of his life, Jacqueline (Wrzosek), and together they settled in Munroe Falls, Ohio, where they raised their family.

He is survived by; his three sons, Joe (Tracie), Aaron (Diane), and Ethan (Liz); his 11 grandchildren, Logan (Shanese), Corrine (Louie) Loncar, Julianna, Christopher, Avery, Delaney, Zachary, Ryann, Jayden, Jacob, and Jace; and his sister Eileen (Howard) Raderman.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Florence, his loving wife, Jacqueline, his brother Paul, and his sister Kathleen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00am Friday November 13, 2026, at St. Eugene's Catholic Church, 1821 Munroe Falls Ave, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 with Rev. Fr. Pete Colletti officiating. Calling hours will be from 4:00-7:00pm Thursday November 12, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44305. Interment will take place following rendering of Military Honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, at a later date.

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