James Andrew Hudak Obituary
James Andrew Hudak, beloved husband of the late June Hudak, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was born in Norwalk on September 29, 1947, to the late Steven and Elizabeth (Horvath) Hudak.
James is survived by his two sons: Andrew Hudak and Dan Hudak, as well as Dan's wife Adriana; brothers Joe and Tom Hudak, as well as Joe's wife Terri; nephews Mike and Jeff Hudak, and niece Rachel Hudak.
A graduate of Brien McMahon High School in 1965, James went to Norwalk Community College for two years before entering the Army in 1967. He served for three years, including in Vietnam, before being honorably discharged in 1970. Upon returning to the United States he went to college at the University of Baltimore, from which he graduated in 1972 with a degree in marketing. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, the late June (Winkel) Hudak, and they married in Baltimore in March 1975. Together they had two children, Andrew and Dan, and ultimately settled in Brookfield, CT, in September 1986.
James loved cooking great food, eating great food, nightly walks around the neighborhood, movies (Casablanca was his favorite), and going to baseball games with his sons every year. (One time he gave the New Britain Rockcats' mascot, Rocky, a high five, and joked for months afterward that it was the highlight of his summer). He was a realist, practical, loving and affectionate with family and friends. His charm and sense of humor made him easy to talk to, as you knew he would listen with an open mind and lend whatever non-judgmental insight he could. For many years he was also an avid gardener in his backyard, annually growing and sharing green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and more with family and friends.
He instilled in his children the importance of family and an appreciation of classic film and television. When the kids were young many nights quickly became family movie night after a trip to the video store, and if it wasn't a movie the boys also fondly remember watching Married With Children, The Wonder Years and more together.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov 23, 2024, at 10am at New Milford United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Rd, New Milford, CT, 06776. All are welcome to bring a photo of James to share on the display table during the reception to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in James' name to further Alzheimer's research at https://medicine.yale.edu.
