Harry Dudzinski

BRISTOL

Harry Adam "Whitey" Dudzinski, Jr., 88, lifelong Bristol resident, peacefully passed on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Whitey was a shining light in his community, a man whose passion for sports and dedicated family life left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him.

Born on March 16, 1936, he was one of two children to the late Harry, Sr. and Nellie (Tyburski) Dudzinski.

Harry was educated at St. Stanislaus Grammar School and Bristol High School, and graduated from American International College in 1958. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Mary (Hyland). Their union was a celebration of love and partnership that flourished for over 65 years. Together, they raised a family rooted in the same values of kindness, hard work, and community service that defined Harry's life.

A lifelong athlete, Whitey excelled in both basketball and baseball, earning countless accolades throughout his distinguished sports career. He was honored as a 1999 inductee into the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame and was a 2015 inductee into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. His contributions to Bristol's sports scene were further recognized by the prestigious Bristol Tramps, who celebrated his many contributions to Bristol athletics. As a coach for the Dodgers in Forestville Little League, alongside his dear friend Bobby Watson, Harry instilled a love of the game in countless children. He took immense pride in watching his sons, niece, and grandchildren follow in his footsteps, rarely missing a game and always cheering them on with enthusiasm. Professionally, Harry had a successful career as a contract purchaser for Superior Electric, where his work ethic and dedication were steadfast until his retirement in 2000. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Harry will be remembered for his kindheartedness and dedication to his community, his legacy will live on the many lives he enriched.

In addition to his wife Mary, he leaves his sons, Mark Dudzinski and his wife Maria, Timothy Dudzinski and his wife Cheryl, and Daryle Dudzinski and his wife Cassandra; along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sister, Dale Cagenello and her husband Bradley; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, Whitey may be remembered with contributions to the Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut, 200 Executive Blvd, Suite 4b, Southington, CT 06489 or www.alz.org/ct.

Family and friends may gather on Saturday December 21, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave., Forestville, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

Harry "Whitey" Dudzinski