ILION – John W. Ludden, age 74, of Bellevue Ave., Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at The Grand, in Ilion, with his wife, Virginia “Ginny” by his side. He was born on September 10, 1946, in Ilion, the son of John L. and Bernice (Schroll) Ludden and graduated from Ilion High School, in 1965. John was married to Virginia Parkhurst, on December 19, 1969, in Ilion. Mr. Ludden was employed as a driver and later a warehouse worker at the Association for the Blind, Utica. He also worked as a school bus driver for Bernie Bus Co., Utica. John had attended the Ilion Baptist Church and at one time was Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Surviving family members include his wife, Virginia “Ginny”; his sons and daughters-in-law, James and Lynn Ludden, of Ilion and Robert and Nancy Ludden, of Toledo, Ohio; 5 grandchildren, Antonia, Kimberly, Rosaleigh, John and Catherine Ludden; 2 great-grandsons, Jaiden Ludden-Pendolf and Kayden Coons; his sister, Christine Fort, of Balston Spa, NY; one niece and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a private family service at a later date at the convenience of the family. Any family member attending will need to wear a mask. Thank you. Anyone wishing to share a memory of John, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. John’s service arrangements were prearranged and are entrusted to his Family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Homes, of Ilion (315-895-7722).