Henry was also devoted to his service in the military. His dedication was shown through his three tours in Vietnam and his life service in the Army. When Henry retired, he and his family moved to Warren where he began teaching JROTC. He loved his job and his students.
In addition to his parents, Henry is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda Kucia.
He is survived by his daughters, Isabelle Gathright and husband Michael and Gloria Messer and husband Mike; son, Phillip Kucia; grandchildren, Chris Gathright and wife Kacy, James Gathright and wife Emilia, Shannon Holian, Holly Messer, and Henry Messer; great grandson, Asher Gathright; nephew, Pat O'Keefe; and sister Caroline Christman.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Church in Warren, Arkansas. Burial with military honors will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery. You can sign Henry's guestbook here on his page.
Condolences(4)
Pam Carr
El Dorado, AR Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Isabelle and family, I am so sorry for you loss❤️❤️ Prayers for you and all your family during this difficult time. ❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️I love you and if there is anything I can help you with, I am just a phone call or text away. Love and prayers Pam Carr and family.Mike Messer
Granite Falls, WA Wednesday, July 23, 2025 It's not often you find a favorite person. Mine was my second dad. This was not because I got to snag his daughter, it's because he was the most kind and generous person I have ever met.Let me tell you about this man. He came from next to nothing in rural Connecticut. From this he built through his own will and determination a beautiful family. A wife he dearly loved, two daughters and a son. Family meant the world to him. In a time when wearing a soliders uniform was a seen as a disgrace, he stepped up to the plate for his country and served. When his family needed him, he retired his boots and went home. When his community was hungry he organized a food bank. He was generous and selfless!
I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into his family in 2008 after marrying his daughter. From that point on i got to know the man who put himself last, the man who would make sure others were safe and cared for.
I came to love talking with him, hearing about the weather, 80s music, and anything else he wanted to share.
Two years ago he came up for a visit and got to experience WA in a different light. His last time here was a transfer flight to Vietnam in the 60's. It was awesome taking him to Henry's football practices and games, Holly's cross country, Gloria's troops court of honor, Friday Harbor, Leavenworth, oh and I took him with me to drop a stop work order in Monroe... followed by Blooming Onion! I loved making coffee for him in the morning and making sure he got up the stairs at night.
He loved his family and he was loved... every conversation with him ended with "I'm proud of you... love you buddy."
I love you too, Pa! You were the best father in love it could have.
Learnet Daniels
Warren, AR Tuesday, July 22, 2025 From the Class of "87"... Where do we begin? Sgt Kucia was the best ROTC Instructor ever. He loved us as much as we loved him. He has never forgotten a face. It's been well over 35 years since we've been out of school, but every time we run up on him, he greets us with a hug, smile & a brief conversation. He was one of a kind & he will be truly missed. Our deepest condolences to the family. Sending prayers to you all. Heaven has truly gained an angel... RIH Sgt KuciaDana Harvey
Warren, AR Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Isabelle, Gloria, and Family - I am so sorry to hear of Sgt. Kucia's passing, but know that he is in paradise and at peace. May God fill you with comfort that surpasses all understanding. He always had a smile when I encountered him in the grocery store and was always proud to catch me up on what was going on with all of you.Love and prayers!!