Hudak

John R. "Jack" Hudak, 74, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday after a brief illness.

He was born in Homestead to John Hudak, Sr. and Anna Husar, both deceased. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Robert.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Ann Vasilchik of New Castle; his sons, John Hudak (Laura) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Brian Hudak (Jennifer) of Tallmadge, Ohio; and daughters, Cindy (Ron Linville), of Cary, N.C., Paula (Joseph Kovach) of Bascom, Ohio, and Janet of Clearwater, Fla.; brothers, Bernard (Janet) and William, both of Prospect; sisters, Dorothy (Lee Vordos), of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Geraldine (Gene Scobel) and Joanne (James Chvala), both of Prospect; and nine grandchildren.

John served in the Army and then worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company before retiring in 1987 with 30 years of service.

After retiring from Goodyear, his true passion in life was working as a starter on the South Course at Firestone Country Club. It was in his nine years at Firestone that he truly enjoyed his retirement.

To all the employees and members of Firestone, whom he considers his second family, we know he truly wants to thank you for all the great times and the love and support you have shown him over the past few months.

John was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan. It was with his many friends at the Knights of Columbus in Ellet, where he enjoyed the playful banter of who was better — the Browns, or the Steelers? Of course, we all know the answer to that question.

John was also a well-respected and loved man of the community.

Outside of his hours of contribution to St. Matthew Church and the Knights of Columbus, some of his accomplishments include: Holy Name Society Man of the Year, Holy Name Society Lifetime Achievement Award, the first ever Charles Reymann Lifetime Achievement Award at the Knights of Columbus and Employee of the Year at Firestone Country Club.

John also enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas and Mountaineer with his wife, Mary Ann, playing cards with family and friends, golfing and spending time with his grandchildren.

<B>HUDAK </B>— A funeral Mass for John R. "Jack" Hudak, who died Friday, Oct. 13, 2006, was celebrated at 11 a.m. today at St. Matthew Church, 2580 Benton St., Akron. Friends were received at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. today.A funeral lunch reception followed the Mass between noon and 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 752 Canton Road, Akron.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 17279 Baltimore, MD 21297-0495.Arrangements were handled by the <B>NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME</B>, Akron.