Darrell M. Zidek

Darrell M. Zidek, 74, a three-year resident of Laughlin, Nev., formerly a 47-year resident of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., passed away at home Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, with his wife at his bed side. Born Aug. 20, 1940, in Vandergrift, he was the son of the late Ann and Victor Zidek, of Vandergrift. Darrell graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1957. He joined the Navy at age 17, serving until honorably discharged in 1961. He then attended Pittsburgh Electronic Technology School. He worked at Westinghouse Research Center in Youngwood, and then joined IBM in New York as an electronic technician. His career at IBM spanned 29 years, retiring in 1992. Darrell married his beloved wife, Patricia A. Hudek, of Vandergrift, on April 18, 1964, in Vandergrift. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Darrell was an avid reader, Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan, also enjoyed motorcycle races. Over the years, he loved riding his touring motorcycles. The many motorcycle trips from New York to Florida, and other southern states, were truly the best of times. He is survived by his loving wife; brother, Donald (Joan) Zidek, of Baltimore, Md.; sister-in-law, Frances McKalip, of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and brothers-in law, Thomas (Cheryl) Hudek, of Pleasant Valley, N.Y., James (Phyllis) Hudek, of Freeport, and Kenneth Hudek, of Bellevue. Not having children of his own, his many nieces and nephews enriched his life and were very important to him especially Thomas J. Hudek, Kayla Hudek-Bennett, Donna (Thomas) Dietrick and daughters, Megan and Sarah, Denise (Michael) Ferdarko and her three sons, and son, Nicholas Swinehart, John (Jeanne) Zidek and sons, Joseph, John and James, and Fred Kraft Zidek, Diane Zidek and David Zidek. Darrell was predeceased by his parents, Ann and Victor Zidek; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Linda Zidek; niece, Donna Zidek; and brother-in-law, Dave McKalip. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at St. Gertrude's Church, 303 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.