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Reverend John Stanley Gwudz, a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, in San Diego, California, following a lengthy illness. Funeral arrangements are pending in California, where he resided for many years, with burial to follow at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.

Father John was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on July 1, 1946. He attended Falls School and St. Joseph School, and graduated from St. Bernard High School. He continued his priestly formation at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and at Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in Albany, New York.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1972, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich by the Most Reverend Vincent J. Hines, Bishop of Norwich.

During his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Norwich, Father Gwudz served at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich; St. Mary Church in New London; St. Peter Church in Higganum; and St. Francis Church in Middletown.

On September 6, 1984, he was released by the Diocese of Norwich to serve on active duty as a chaplain in the United States Navy.

Please keep Father John and his family in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.