Martin J. Hudak, 86, of Nanticoke went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, at his residence.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on Jan. 20, 1932, Martin was the son of the late Martin and Christine Hudak.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend who touched and inspired many lives with his joy, caring and servant's heart. A devout Catholic, his life revolved around his faith and family.
Martin graduated from Coughlin High School and University of Scranton, and furthered his education at Lehigh University, studying mathematics.
After working for two years in Connecticut, he taught mathematics at King's College in Wilkes-Barre for almost 40 years, creating a lasting impact on many students. During a portion of that time, he chaired the mathematics department and served on the college's board of directors.
Martin was deeply devoted to Jesus, who was the center of his life. After discerning his vocation at seminary for a year, he decided to marry the love of his life, Louise, to the great delight of his four future children. After entering the vocation of marriage, he became involved and influential in the church and evangelization in a variety of ways. He was a leader in the Catholic Family Movement, family Bible studies, a neighborhood CCD program, and family retreats. He was especially involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, where he functioned as leader of the Christ the King Charismatic Prayer Group and the People of God Charismatic Community and was a member of the International Catholic Fraternity. With his wife, Louise, he was co-founder and co-director of the Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center in Nanticoke. In his parish he served as a lector and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
The primary way his love for the Lord was demonstrated was his devotion to his family. He was married to his wife Louise for 58 years before she passed away in 2014, and they had four children: Mary, Michael, Jeanne and Mia. He was a dedicated father, organizing pick-up sports games in the neighborhood, and spending many summers camping with his family, visiting 48 states and a number of national parks.
In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; his brother, the Rev. Francis J. Hudak; and his sister, Martyna McLean.
Surviving are his children, Mary Houde (husband Keith); Michael Hudak (wife Joyce); Jeanne Little, and Mia McCaffrey; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Claire Jurchak; and his brother, Thomas Hudak (wife Joan).
A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Stanley S. Stegura Funeral Home Inc., 614 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the main site of St. Faustina's Parish, 520 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke. The family requests that those attending the funeral Mass go directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center, 151 Old Newport St., Nanticoke, PA 18634.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marty was a wonderful man who was always nice to everyone. His smile was always nice to see
Edith Miller
Acquaintance
September 17, 2020
I just became aware of Mr. Hudak's passing in the King's College magazine. Mr. Hudak was my mathematics teacher during my sophomore year. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Mr. Hudak's family on his passing.
Joe Barnoski
Student
September 29, 2019
"Ginger" yes you were my best cousin when
we were kids together. May you enjoy heaven.
joan martinek woods
September 27, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to and prayers for the Peace of Our Lord for Marty,Louise and all of Marty's family and loved ones. He was a true inspiration to all lives he touched. Godspeed Mr. Hudak.
Michele Pulli
September 25, 2018
To the Hudak family,
My DEEPEST CONDOLENCES
Michele Harrison - Brocious
September 21, 2018
Dear Hudak and Houde Families,
We are sorry for your loss; we are keeping you all in prayer. God bless Martin and may he rest in the peace of Our Lord.
With much love,
The Bosco Family
September 20, 2018
Michael, Joyce and family,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a great man. He will be missed. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Lucchese Family
September 20, 2018
Deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved father. He was truly a man of God and a ideal roll model for all husbands ....
Millard Galat
September 20, 2018
Marty was my math instructor at King's College in the 70s. I could not have asked for a more understanding instructor in a mandatory course so removed from my interests! His smile greeted us at each class, and his prayerful silence in the opening moments exemplified patience with us. His brother was my pastor here, so a small connection continued. Please know your dad is celebrated in eternity, surrounded by the source of Love.
Diane Serafin
September 18, 2018
My condolences to the family! It was so nice to get to know him when he was in Ave Maria! Many blessings!
Denise Donohue
September 17, 2018
My condolences to Mary and to Martin's family ,especially to all of his caretakers. Martin was a very holy man and I enjoyed his company coming to and from Ave Maria Parish Church when he visited Florida. I still remember the talks that he gave to our Prayer Group using visuals with Mary's assistance. Truly a loving human being and it is fitting that he passed away on the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross. Amen!
Cookie Olander
Friend
September 17, 2018
Condolences to Marty's entire family. He was a great man and role model. We love you Marty.
Kate Walsh Covey, John Covey and Kelly Covey
September 17, 2018
had mr hudak for algebra at kings in the 70's just out of the service. never had it before. he was the very best math teacher i ever had. remembered him often and told everyone. r.i.p. mr hudak, and heartfelt sympathy to his family.
gary mccutcheon
September 17, 2018
My deepest sympathies to Marty's family and friends. I knew him from The Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He was always very nice and his smile heartwarming.
Edith Miller
September 16, 2018
What a beautiful example of a man of God. He shared, he served, he suffered and most of all Marty loved everyone. We're all the better for knowing him.
Sincerely,
John Witkosky
John Witkosky
September 16, 2018
Another of Jesus' prayer warriors has been called home. We will miss you Marty. Take our love with you to Louise, Bernadine and all the other community members who have passed on.
Albert Babetski
September 16, 2018
My deep sympathy to all of the children of this wonderful man. Your dad had a tremendous impact on my life as he taught most of the math courses I had at King's from 1957 to 1961. Just as significant as his diligent approach in the classroom was the time he willingly spent in his office providing support to his students. I later became a college professor myself and at times became frustrated with the extra demands on my time. It was then that I often reminded myself of how much time your dad gave to me. I could not have had a better role model.
Ron Sinzdak
September 16, 2018
Deepest sympathy and prayers. His spiritual life impacted all of us. He will be missed, but his spirit will live on. Love, John and Penny
Penny Jurchak
September 16, 2018
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