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Jack had a couple of nicknames during his adventurous life, one was Gentleman Jack, no doubt for his kind and caring manner. With age came a second moniker, The Silver Fox was given for the prominent glint of his hair that complimented his famous bright Irish smile. For years Jack and his family spent many memorable times in the North Fork area of Long Island. In 2014 he was bestowed and honored as the Grand Marshal at the Inaugural Riverhead St. Patrick's Day Parade. He certainly carried in his heart that special day for the rest of his years. Jack was very proud of his Irish-American roots and all that came with that heritage. That pride also included his membership as a Charter Member of the NYPD Emerald Society dating to the organization's formation back in 1953. On a few occasions he was able to attend our annual meeting in Queens accompanied by his son John Jr., a retired detective and long-time member. Both father and son would renew old friendships and make new friends as well, during a night of fraternity. May Jack Cuddy now be reunited with his dear wife Caryl in Heaven, along with family, friends and old comrades. Jack Cuddy is survived by his loving children Kevin Cuddy, Barbara (Richard) Pfeiffer, Caryn (James) Fox and John Cuddy Jr. (Jennifer). Adoring grandchildren Caryl, Brendan and Cailyn. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Commack Abbey, 96 Commack Road, Commack. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at Christ the King R.C. Church, Commack. Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.
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The NYPD Emerald Society mourns the passing of our Charter Member, Retired Sergeant John Cuddy Sr. at the age of 92 on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Jack as he was known by, had been in failing health in recent times and was in hospice care this past week. He proudly served his country during World War II in the Merchant Marines, as a lad of just 17 years, fresh out of Brooklyn Tech HS. He bravely sailed aboard a supply ship traversing the dangerous enemy waters of the Mediterranean Sea. When he returned to the USA and NYC after the end of the War he truly represented what would be eventually dubbed "The Greatest Generation". Ironically, he later was drafted into the Army and again was called into service during the Korean War and stationed stateside. He was honorably discharged from military service with the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1951 Jack was sworn into the NYPD and began service to his hometown of NYC. The young Patrolman Cuddy's first command was the 108th Precinct in Queens. With a short time on the Police Force his work-ethic paid off as he was soon off his beat and rewarded with a prestigious transfer to the Narcotics Division. While a "Narc" Jack continued his diligent work this time in the clandestine drug world of heroin and opium dens secreted in the city's Chinatown neighborhood. After a few action-packed years, as he did in the Army, Jack was promoted to Sergeant and chevrons were placed on his sleeves. In due time, with his leadership skills honed along with his talent as an investigator, he was called back to the Narcotics Division. He would lead a squad of seasoned detectives in the challenging world of narcotics investigations and enforcement.
In 1961 he was the boss when two of his detectives Eddie Egan and Sonny Grasso broke the French Connection Case. The international ring of heroin dealers had been poisoning the streets of cities across the country with hundreds of kilos of the venom. The heroic exploits of Jack's men were recounted by Hollywood in the classic movie The French Connection. In 1971 he retired from the job he loved, ending a 20-year career of distinguished and outstanding service. Jack would then go on to a new career of sorts, this time as an Investigator for the Nassau County District Attorney's Office. He investigated a case that led to the apprehension and conviction of Nicky Barnes a vicious drug kingpin and scourge of Harlem. Jack had a knack for putting bad-guys away and keeping law & order.
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