Carl Donald "Don" Jud

Carl Donald (Don) Jud, Bluff Point, NY/Woodcliff Lake, NJ

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Carl Donald (Don) Jud on January 31, 2026, at the age of 90. Don was born on January 28, 1936, in Englewood, New Jersey, the son of the late Carl G. and Henrietta (Schmidt) Jud.

Don served in the Army from 1955 to 1962 in the 188th Ranger Airborne Division. He trained at Fort Bragg, NC, before deploying to Western Europe, where he enjoyed visiting many cities and regions. After his time in the Army, Don owned and operated Jud's Landscaping and Tree Service in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, working with his father. In his spare time, he enjoyed having fun with friends, hosting volleyball and horseshoe parties, and visiting "Honkey Tonks" (as he called them) to enjoy his favored country music.

When visiting friends who came to the area from NJ, Don and his wife Jeanne fell in love with the area and a historical old stone house for sale on State Route 54A in Jerusalem. After purchasing the Sill Tenant Cottage in the fall of 1977, they built Jud's Stone House Nursery with hard work and love. Don worked nights at Penn Yan Express and Jeanne at Keuka College. They opened for business in 1983.

When taking a much-needed break from his business endeavors, Don enjoyed being at his Hemlock Road property, cutting firewood, hiking, and riding his ATV at the acreage on the beautiful Big Gully in Guyanoga. He especially enjoyed the fall "Glory Time," as he called it. His favorite pastime at the nursery was splitting firewood and making kindling while listening to old country music or reading books of western and war genres in the barn he decorated with his 'junk collection.' He could also be found at the Valley Inn sipping a Killian's Red, reading or watching westerns on TV in the afternoons.

Don is survived by his sister Myla Antoine, niece Ellen King, nephew David Antoine, former employees and close friends, Dave, Kevin & Colleen, Bernie, Judy, and Deb, stepchildren Charles Vagell, Yvonne Eie, and Suzanne Lomicky. Don was predeceased by his wife Jeanne in 2014 and his stepson Edward Vagell in 1998.

There will be no calling hours or services as per his wishes. A Celebration of life will be held at the Valley Inn in early May, date to be announced. Condolences may be left in his guest book at www.weldonfuneralhome.com. The Weldon Funeral Home of Penn Yan is assisting with arrangements.