NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Bryan A. Cuddeback, 77, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at his home in League City, Texas.

Born in North Adams on July 28, 1942, the son of Alfred "Buster" and Alice Cattaneo Cuddeback, he was a 1960 graduate of Drury High School and had worked hard to earn a private pilot's license at age 16. He attended the former North Adams State College before being accepted into the Naval Officer Candidate School and earning an opportunity to attend flight school.   

After making his way through training and jets, he chose helicopters — a career path he would follow even after his military service. His military career took him all over the world to some of the most remote locations one can imagine and a few the government won't admit.

In Vietnam, he flew flights and extractions no one would and was able to save many a life. He earned many commendations as well as the Italian Air Force wings for rescue missions while stationed in Italy. He carried the memory of the war, and those he lost, throughout his life. He flew with courage and honor on every mission ... and every day in life. When other branches of the military said it could not be done or it was too dangerous, the Navy Seawolves and Bryan — Seawolf 21 — would go in. They were the most decorated unit and the Navy's only attack helicopter squadron. 

Even in his career after the military, he continued to fly. He fought forest fires on the West Coast, flew the pipeline in Alaska, and oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. The last 10 years of his career, he flew in Saudi Arabia for an oil company.  

He always made sure his family was in a safe neighborhood with good schools regardless of where he had to work, including several months in India. In retirement, he played some golf, spent time at the gun range and took over child care for his granddaughter — she never had a babysitter and he was always there for her. She was his heart and soul.

Bryan is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, the former Hope Lee Thompson; his daughters Christine Cuddeback and Kelly Cuddeback and her husband, Philip Holm; and his granddaughter, Madison Holm. 

Funeral notice: Bryan was laid to rest in the Houston National Cemetery on Dec. 19, 2019.