Albert Dudek Obituary

Albert (Al) Dudek joined his wife Julia and son Peter in eternal life on April 17th, 2015 after a brief illness. Born in Zapasternicze, Poland, he was the son of Henryk and Jozefa (Sczebak) Dudek, and had been a long-time resident of Manchester. He attended school in Poland and spent his early years on the family farm. During World War II, Albert was forced into labor for the German government, first on a farm, and later on the Western Front in France. At 26, he immigrated to the United States as a Displaced Person, sponsored by relatives in Hollis, NH. There, he worked for Stanley Smith, a local farmer, while studying English at night. In 1953 he married Julia, his wife of 58 years, whom he met at a Polish social club. He was employed by International Paper Company as a machine operator for almost 30 years. Albert was a long-term parishioner of St. Hedwig's Church and a member of the St. Joseph's Society. His hobbies consisted of home repair, car maintenance, reading, gardening, Polka dancing, and tinkering. In his prime, he could wear out any dance partner. He also enjoyed Red Sox games, classic movies and musicals. Friends and family knew Al as a man of integrity valued for his steadfastness, strength, generosity, and work ethic. He was a dedicated father, who helped raise six children, in a home that focused on religion, family, good food and laughter. He is survived by two sons, Richard Dudek and Paul Dudek, and his wife, Linda Russell; three daughters, Donna Dudek, his primary caregiver; Lisa Dudek and Teresa Dudek; grandson Zachary Dudek; his brother, Wladislaw and his wife Kazimierz, and sister, Zofia Myslinska, all of Poland; sister-in-law Felicia Craig, and brother-in-law Bronislaw Baranowski; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Friday, April 24, 4 to 8 pm at Durning, Bykowski and Young Funeral Home, 285 Manchester St., corner of Beech St., Manchester. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday at 11 am at St. Hedwig's Church, 180 Orange St., corner of Beech St., Manchester; burial following at St. Hedwig's cemetery, Bedford. Memorial donations may be made to St. Hedwig's Church, 147 Walnut St., Manchester, NH 03104.