Daniel "Dan" Kuda, affectionately known as "Paw Paw," passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the age of 68.

Dan was born August 13, 1957, in Mexico, Missouri, and spent his early years in St. Louis, Missouri, where he built lifelong roots and memories. In 1990, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, which he proudly called home for the remainder of his life.

Dan was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Carol Kuda, of 47 years. He was a loving father to his children and their spouses: Stefanie Zambrano and her husband Julius Zambrano, Jason Kuda and his wife Poly Kuda, and Ashley Kuda. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Wayne Patterson, beloved husband of Ashley Kuda, who passed away in May 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a proud and deeply cherished grandfather to Savannah Kuda (19), Aaron Zambrano (17), JJ Kuda (12), Adelina Zambrano (11), Austin Zambrano (9), and Noah Patterson (5), with another grandchild, Jaxson Kuda, eagerly awaited and forever held in his heart. Dan was also preceded in death by his beloved grandchild, Brady Daniel Zambrano, who passed at birth. We find comfort in knowing that Paw Paw is now reunited with Brady and holding him in his arms in heaven.

Dan worked for many years in the IT industry, where he was deeply respected and loved by his co-workers. At home, Dan had a passion for building and creating - whether it was constructing backyard decks, working on a new renovation that Carol dreamed up for him, or his last project, helping Julius turn the kids' playhouse into a new backyard bar. He also loved classic cars, including his 1965 GTO, which he cherished since the 1980s.

Dan will be most remembered for his love of family. To those who knew him best, he was steady, caring, and so proud of the family he built and the legacy he leaves behind. He was everyone's rock, always helping to give advice or solve problems. Dan devoted his time and heart to helping raise and care for his grandchildren, leaving a legacy of love, reliability, and unwavering presence. From kids' games to graduations and dance recitals, he was always there.

Dan is survived by his loving parents, Frank and Barbara Kuda; his siblings and their spouses: Kristen Kuda, Ben Kuda, Cindy Mirelli and her husband John, and Steve Kuda and his wife Jeannette; and his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lester and Janice Fenton, Helen Fenton, and Diane Fenton; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Shirley Fenton.

Dan will be deeply missed by all who loved him and will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

Services:

Harrisburg, NC:

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:45 p.m. (Eastern Time) at Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg, located at 12115 University City Blvd., Harrisburg, NC 28075.

A memorial service will follow on Friday, January 9, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg, 12115 University City Blvd., Harrisburg, NC 28075.

Maplewood, MO:

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. (Central Time) at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home, of Maplewood, located at 7456 Manchester Rd, Maplewood, MO 63143.

A memorial service will follow on Sunday, January 11, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. (Central Time) at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home, of Maplewood, at 7456 Manchester Rd, Maplewood, MO 63143.