Edward J. Hudak

Edward J. Hudak, Sr., 86, formerly of Bethlehem, PA and Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully in the company of his daughters at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Virginia on Monday, February 16, 2015. Ed, born March 27, 1928, was the youngest of 13 children to the late George and Susan (Dozer) Hudak.

Edward or “Aja” grew up on the South Side of Bethlehem and was a graduate of Liberty High School. While at Liberty, Ed received 9 letters in football, track and basketball, and was also active in the Glee Club. For his accomplishments, Liberty High School inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. After high school, Ed was awarded a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he played tackle for four undefeated seasons and three national championship teams under coach Frank Leahy. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers following his senior year.

Ed worked as an Industrial Engineer for the Bethlehem Steel Corp., retiring in 1993. His love for football led him to serve as an assistant coach at Lehigh University for 28 years, including three Lambert Cup teams and the 1977 National Championship team. He also coached at Bethlehem Catholic High School for 17 years, including five District 11 championships and 2 PIAA State Championships. He was a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, the Elks Club and Silver Creek Country Club, where he served on the board of directors. In 2000 he moved to Ft. Myers Florida where he was an active member of Legends Golf Club and St. John XXIII Catholic Church. His kind heart, warm smile and generous spirit will be missed by all who enjoyed his company.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Edward (Alina) Hudak of Miami, FL, Shane (Lenore) Hudak of Nazareth, PA, Mary Beth (David) Whitehead of South Riding, VA, Kevin Hudak of Easton, PA, and Melissa (Wilson) King of Arlington, VA, grandchildren; Kristina, Jennifer, Kathleen, Kristen, Kaleigh, Morgan, and Bryce Hudak, and Eric and Ryan Whitehead; wife, Dorothea (Brogan) Hudak of Fort Myers, FL, step-children; Patrick (Terri) Brogan of Gladwyne, PA, Lisa (William) Christie of Bethlehem, PA, and sister; Rose Silvoy of Bethlehem, PA. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Kathleen (McDonnell) Hudak in 1988, and by his brothers John, George, Joseph, Stephen, Andrew and sisters, Agnes, Mary, Sophia, Anna, Margaret and Frances.

A visitation and celebration of Eds life will be held at The Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Friday, February, 20, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Another visitation will be available on Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. at Incarnation of Our Lord Parish (formerly Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish), 617 Pierce St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. Interment will be held at Holy Savior Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Friday, February 20, 2015
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Saturday, February 21, 2015
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, February 21, 2015
10:00 AM
Incarnation of Our Lord Parish
617 Pierce St.
Bethlehem PA
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531