Jay Monroe Cudrin

Jay M. Cudrin, Ph.D., a resident of West Hartford, CT, peacefully passed away on January 3rd, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on July 16, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, Jay was the son of Murray and Dorothy Cudrin. He is survived by his devoted wife, Harriet, and his daughters and sons-in-law, Rachel and Michael D'Argenio, Lisa and Scott Sadinsky. Jay is remembered for his three cherished grandchildren, Dara, Abigail Sadinsky, and Devin D'Argenio. 

An accomplished psychologist, Jay had a thriving private practice and a distinguished leadership career in various psychiatric hospitals across the state. He was passionate about listening to and assisting troubled individuals, offering a comforting and non-judgmental ear to those in need. From children to addicts, Jay worked with the most vulnerable, treating his patients with kindness and empathy.

Jay graduated from Queens College and pursued graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after a summer tour of Europe. As a New Yorker in the South during the civil rights movement, Jay stood up for what he believed was right, facing a few skirmishes. After obtaining his Ph.D., he moved to Connecticut and completed his internship at Connecticut Valley Hospital, where he began his dedicated career. During this time, he met Harriet, and they soon got engaged after meeting on vacation in Nantucket.

Jay and Harriet were married on June 18, 1967, settling in Wethersfield after a few years in Rocky Hill. Jay, known for his unwavering dedication to family, would come home after long hospital shifts to spend time with his daughters before returning to his private practice in the evenings.

His family brought Jay the greatest joy and traveled the world together during school vacations. Jay cherished every moment, whether touring national parks, cruising down the Nile, celebrating a Bat Mitzvah on Masada in Israel, or attending Broadway shows in New York. He instilled his love of baking in his children and grandchildren, spending weekends braiding challah and teaching them how to make chocolate mousse.

Later in life, Jay and Harriet explored the world together, visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, China, the Nordics, and Russia, in addition to regular trips to Europe. When not helping others, Jay enjoyed reading Pulitzer Prize-winning novels and sharing his love of literature with his family. During the pandemic years, he read the Hardy Boys books over Skype with his grandson daily, imparting his passion for good books.

Jay's kind and gentle manner impacted everyone he met, and he will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation to the Anti-Defamation League, the Greater Hartford Jewish Federation, or the SADS Foundation (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes), as these organizations held a special place in Jay's heart. Also, think of planting a tree in Jay’s memory through the funeral home’s website. Trees donated will be planted in Israel.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Emanuel Synagogue at 160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford, CT 06117; Interment will follow at Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery at 1361 Berlin Turnpike Wethersfield, CT 06109.

To leave a message of condolence and to watch the live stream service, please visit www.blumensteinfuneralhome.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jay Monroe Cudrin, please visit our Tree Store.