Joseph Edward Modrak, Sr, died peacefully with family by his side at the Jewish Home of Rochester, New York on April 12, 2023 at the age of 86.
Joe, also known as Papa Joe and the Pudzu, was born in Canonsburg, PA to John and Anna Modrak. He resided for most of his life in the Washington, DC area until he relocated to Rochester over two years ago to be closer to family due to illness. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Mathematics from GWU. As a young man he served in the Air Force during peace times as a Meteorologist. He was a mathematician and computer programmer who developed computer programs for NASA and the Commerce Department and worked on the original Cray super computers. With his second wife, Lucy Modrak, they had a blended family of 9 children. He loved his family, his dear friends, golf, to travel, and to sing. He always had a kind word for everyone and was fueled by a strong belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. He loved people and his smile and contagious wit touched many.
He is survived by his children, Annee Martin, John Skelly, Patricia Skelly, Elizabeth Skelly, Chris Skelly, Rita Brown, Joseph Modrak, Jr, his wife Geneva Modrak, Judith Modrak and her husband, Mark Lobene, as well as his first wife, Deborah Modrak. He has 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Lucy Modrak, his son Joe Louis Skelly, his parents, his brother Tom Modrak, and his sister, Mary Alice Cross.
A Celebration of his Life will be held on June 24th from 12-4 pm at Marsh Mansion at Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club, 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville VA 20155. We would be honored to have you celebrate Dad’s special life with us. If possible, please let us know if you are planning on attending by emailing: judi@judimodrak.com
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, https://www.bradyunited.org . We are also very thankful for the loving care and support that he received from the staff at Wolk Manor, the Jewish Home, and Rochester Regional Hospice Care, all of whom enriched his life greatly.
