Leonard Stanislaus “Len” Kuczewski, 94, of Jacksonville passed away on Friday December 13, 2024 at Baptist Medical Center South following a brief illness. Len was the second youngest of 10 kids (9 boys and 1 girl) and his parents migrated to Pennsylvania from Poland with his oldest brother. All of the boys were coal miners and grew up tough and they also all served together in different branches of the Military during the Korean War. Len was a paratrooper in the U.S. army and upon completing his time in the service he went to the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship. While playing for UW, he would become the only lineman to receive the MVP award for the Sun Bowl. While in Wyoming he met Joanne Motes, who he would marry and have 3 children with. Upon graduation from UW, the family moved to California where Len taught math at the high school and coached football and wrestling. Len would later go on to work for the US Customs and DEA where he remained until his retirement. After 33 years of marriage, Joanne passed away. Twelve years later he met and married Laura Dietz. Len was of Catholic faith and over the years had been a member of several Catholic churches including, St. Monica (Palatka) Prince of Peace (Taylor, SC), and most recently Holy Family (Jacksonville, FL). He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Joanne Kuczewski, his parents, Anthony and Victoria Kuczewski, a son, Lenny Kuczewski, Jr., a son-in-law, Mark London, as well as all of his siblings.

Len is survived by his wife Laura, his daughter, Krista London, a son, Tony Kuczewski (Sherri), eight grandchildren, TJ (Brittany), Chris (Edwin), AJ (Sarah), Sissy, Erica (Corey), Michelle, Josh, and Benji, two great grandchildren, Brooklyn, and David as well as extended family and friends.

Len had many “Dziadzisms” (Sayings) that his grandkids always cherished like: “I’m 2 years older than Santa Claus”; “It’ll be better by the time you get married”; “Pray, hope, and don’t worry”; “The Lord knows my needs”; “Jasiu Kocham (ya-chee-co-ham) – I love you”.

Services will be held on Tuesday December 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Johnson-Overturf Chapel (307 S Palm Ave, Palatka, FL 32177) with Aaron Friedrick officiating. Interment will follow at Peniel Cemetery with the U.S. Army presenting Military Honors.

Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Len’s Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral home in Palatka.

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