J. Kevin Judge

J. Kevin Judge, 66, passed away at home Friday evening after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Kevin is survived by his wife, Susan Judge, and his children, Stephanie and Andrew, all of Lansdale.

A Scranton native, he was the son of the late John F. and Agnes McGee Judge. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Scranton. In 1977, he received his master's degree in theological studies from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y. In his grade school and high school years, he had morning and evening Scranton Tribune and Scranton Times paper routes throughout East Scranton. While attending college, he also provided private contractor services, painting houses and installing carpets. He was employed at Keane Unclaimed Property for 33 years and held various positions, including vice president and account executive.

Family life and baseball were the focal point of Kevin's life. Blessed with two children, Kevin was a loving husband, father, brother, loyal and devoted friend. He was a devout man, shared his faith with his family, and was a longtime member of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Parish in North Wales, Pa. He enjoyed helping with the summer festival and was a leader, committee member and merit badge counselor with Boy Scout Troop 547. A gifted orator, his recitation of the Kipling poem "If" at Andrew's Eagle Court of Honor moved the entire audience. Long after his son obtained his Eagle rank, he continued to mentor the boys in the troop.

To many people, he was known as Coach. Early in his coaching career, he coached the East Scranton Little League to an all-star victory against Dunmore. While just a teen himself, he coached the East Scranton Teener League into his college years. Later, he would organize and coach his own adult softball team. He coached his own children from the time they could hold a bat through their teenage years. As a head coach for Montgomery Twp. baseball and softball, Kevin's gentle spirit, kindness and love for baseball would have an impact on the lives of the players and families of those he coached. He spent countless hours in preparation for games so that the team was not only competitive, but that everyone would have fun. He would even share his tickets to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons games with his teams so they, too, could experience a Triple-A baseball game.

Kevin enjoyed camping with his family as a member of the YMCA Indian Guides Princesses and Indian Guides program. He provided leadership in the role of tribe chief. His great sense of humor, but voice of reason, provided guidance to all members.

Kevin touched many lives and would lend a helping hand whenever needed. He would give you the shirt off his back or a place to stay and asked for nothing in return. He considered his friends part of his family. He loved to sing and was known for his beautiful tenor voice.

He is also survived by his sister, Sheila Judge, M.D., Gwynedd; his brother, Brian and wife, Judith Kaplan, Framingham, Mass.; two nieces, Julia Judge, Oakland, Calif.; and Deirdre Judge, Somerville, Mass.; mother-in-law, Mary Dexter, Honesdale; brother-in-law, Thomas Dexter, Honesdale; an uncle, Joseph Reddington, Canton, Mass.; and many loving cousins. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, David Dexter; and a brother-in-law, Lester Karafin, M.D.

Funeral services will be in North Wales on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, with a Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. in Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales. Friends may call Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton. Friends may call Friday, Dec. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Donations in memory of J. Kevin Judge may be made to the Foundation for Cancer Care, 236 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA, 18503, or at www.found4cc.org. This worthy local organization assists patients and families with various financial, physical, educational and psychological needs.