Obituary of Edward Michael Dudek

" Edward M. Dudek, 54, of Rondeau Rd, died October 25 after a courageous ten year battle with kidney cancer. He maintained his faith with a smile and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Born in Springfield, May 23, 1950 he was the son of Leona (Lussier) Dudek of Chicopee and the late Michael Dudek and was a 1969 graduate of Chicopee High School. He attended Holyoke Community College and was a 1986 graduate of Springfield Technical Community College. Ed lived in Ludlow for nine years before settling in Palmer in 1987 to raise his family. Professionally he worked as a Civil Engineer for Mass Highway for 21 years. A devoted dad, Ed coached many youth sports teams in Palmer as his children grew and never missed an event in their lives. Among other things, he loved golfing, reading, and the Patriots, and said the Sox would do it this year! Besides his mother, he will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend of 26 years, Beverly (Chicoine) Dudek, his son Andrew of New Milford, NJ and daughter Laura Dudek at home. He is also survived by a brother Michael and his wife Dianne of Pittsfield, his sisters Melodie Kostopolus and her husband David of Chicopee, and June Goyette and her husband Mark of Tauntnon, along with his in laws Albert and Margaret Paquette of S. Hadley, and sister in law Gloria Page and her husband Dr. David Page of Vermont. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, with a Service of Remembrance at 7:00 p.m. A Video Tribute will be presented throughout the visitation. A funeral mass will be Saturday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Thomas Church with burial to follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home by 9:00 a.m. or meet directly at the church. The family requests that donations be made in Ed’s memory to either The Molly Bish Foundation, c/o Spencer Savings Bank, Main Street, Warren, MA 01083, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. "