Joseph B. Gudenburr, IV's Obituary
Joseph B. Gudenburr IV, 53, of Venetia, PA passed away on April 2, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife and parents.
Joe is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of almost 29 years Joanne Gudenburr, Children Joseph B. Gudenburr V and Jacob R. Gudenburr, parents Joseph B. Gudenburr III and Harriet F. Gudenburr, brothers Douglas G. Gudenburr (Jill) and Darrell M. Gudenburr (Christine) and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was a 1987 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He was a captain of the varsity football team, dedicated to the sport, ultimately earning several scholarships but chose the appointment to the United States Military Academy. Joe played football for two years and was a member of the West Point powerlifting team throughout his time at the Academy. His studies became his focus as he earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Upon graduating from West Point, Joe was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. For the duration of his military career, he was stationed at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX. He earned his Master Fitness Trainer Certification, Airborne wings, numerous medals and ribbons and was an Air Defense Artillery officer. His final assignment at Ft. Bliss, honored him with being chosen Brigadier General Joseph Cosumano’s Aide de Camp. Joe was a disciplined, dedicated soldier and carried these and many other admired qualities with him throughout his life and career.
Joe retired as a captain, landing his first civilian job in Cortland, NY. He was the Director of Manufacturing for Buckbee-Mears Cortland, leading employees as well as being the key player in the expansion of the plant. Joe took an executive position with BMC that sent him to Minneapolis area and Europe. As his career advanced, he maintained many respected and admirable qualities that all good leaders should possess in the manufacturing world and in life in general. He was an ethical, dedicated, hands-on leader who gave 125% to every task presented to him. Joe spent 16 years at GA Braun, a manufacturer of industrialized laundering equipment, earning titles of Chief Operating Officer and President. In 2019, Joe and his family relocated to Pittsburgh, PA, where most of their family lives. Joe became General Manager of Sprague Energy, an independent supplier of energy and materials in the Northeast United States. In January 2021, Joe was given an opportunity to work for the Syracuse Glass Company, Syracuse, NY as Chief Executive Officer. Joe continued to work throughout his illness and his cancer treatments. He is a true WARRIOR in every sense of the word!
Most of all, Joe loved his family. When he wasn’t traveling, he was at home spending precious time with those he loved. He took great pride in providing for Joanne, Joey and Jacob. Joe and Joanne built a beautiful life together, having been friends since high school. He was incredibly proud of his sons and all of their accomplishments throughout their lives.
Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 2 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 8pm and Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 2 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 10 am in the funeral home’s chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations in joe’s name may be made to Tunnels 2 Towers at
http://t2t.org/donate/ or the Donnell House , Hospice center at http://concordialm.org/donate/
Online condolences may be shared at jeffersonmemorial.com.
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