Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Hudak

Francis Hudak Obituary

Our brother, Reverend Monsignor Francis Joseph Hudak, 75, went home to the Lord on Saturday evening, Aug. 20, 2005. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Martin and Christine (Draina) Hudak. He was a 1947 graduate of the former Saint Mary's High School in Wilkes-Barre. He began his studies for the priesthood at Holy Cross Seminary in North Easton, Mass. and completed ecclesiastic studies at Saint Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Md., for the Harrisburg Diocese. Monsignor was ordained a priest at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Harrisburg on May 28, 1955 and had his first solemn Mass in Sacred Heart Church, North Wilkes-Barre. Father Joe's priestly ministry began as an assistant at Assumption B.V.M. parish in Kulpmont. Other assignments included Saint Ann's, Lancaster; Saint Peter's, Elizabethtown; Saint Joseph's, York; Holy Cross, Mount Carmel; St. Pius X, Selinsgrove; Sacred Heart, Harrisburg; St. Joseph's Shamokin; Holy Infant, York Haven; Immaculate Conception, New Oxford and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel. In March it was determined that Monsignor had a cancer type called mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer. His last few months were spent at the Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center in Sheatown, where his brother and family, along with the staff from Hospice of the Sacred Heart, were able to care for him. Because of his illness, he had to retire before his assigned date. However, the Lord in His mercy allowed him to live and have two celebrations for the 50th anniversary of his ordination. One in Mount Carmel on May 22nd and the other on May 29th in Sheatown, when the celebration was combined with a Draina/Hudak family reunion with 300 relatives from 15 states. Father Joe is survived by sisters, Claire Jurchak of Harding and Martyna McLean of Flager Beach, Fla.; brothers, Thomas and wife, Joan of Forty-Fort and Martin and wife, Louise of Sheatown; 16 nieces and nephews; 47 great-nieces and nephews; and seven great-great-nieces and nephews. There will be a Mass of Transferral at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel, with the Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, D.D. Bishop of Harrisburg, officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church. Calling hours will also take place Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Thursday from 9 until 10:45 a.m. at Sacred HeartSaint John's Parish Community, 601 N. Main St., North WilkesBarre. A funeral mass will be conducted Thursday at 11 a.m. following visitation. Interment will be in Sacred Heart parish cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas. In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations, if desired, may be made in Monsignor's memory to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 130 Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

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Published by Evening Sun from Aug. 23 to Aug. 24, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Hudak

5 Entries

Kathy family

August 26, 2024

Kathy family

Kelly Slabonik

August 24, 2005

Words could never express how much Father Hudak meant to me and my family. I grew up with a priest at my church that I could never really get along with. We moved from the area and tested many churches until one day we stepped into Immaculate Conception in New Oxford. From that day forward I felt like I found a home. I don't know if it was the homily he gave, the gentleness in his voice, or the compassion in his eyes as he greeted everyone at the end of mass, but I knew then and there I was where I belonged. I was blessed to get to know him, not only as my priest, but also as a friend. Father Hudak helped me and my family through many tough times and I can only hope and pray that he truly knew how much he meant to me! So, today I morn, and even weep, but tomorrow all the memories will make me smile because I know God has called a great man Home! Thank you Father Hudak for all the memories, the advice, and most importantly, thank you for taking part in the happiest day of my life when Luke and I got married! I will miss you and love you always! P.S. Nicole (age 5) wanted her Father “Huhak” to know how much she loved him too!

Roger Rymer

August 24, 2005

"Father Joe" - Regrettably, I shared only a few precious moments together with you, your family and my son Kristopher. They were special moments that impacted our lives positively. We will go on in life enjoying the benefit of your love, prayers and kindness. We will gain strength in knowing that your spirit will continue to shine down upon all of those that you have cared for and loved. Thank you for touching our lives. Kristopher and I hope that the Hudak family will find comfort at this time in knowing that we have been blessed by the special love of "Father Joe" and the entire Hudak family.

Monica Reese

August 23, 2005

Msgr. Hudak holds a special place in the hearts of my family. He came to Immaculate Conception replacing a beloved priest who had been with us for 17 years. Few people could forsee how dear he would become to each of us in the parish. The children absolutely adored him for the affectionate way he treated each and everyone of them. My son & daughter always ran up to give him a hug after mass. One weekend when he was away for a well-deserved rest, the visiting priest stood in the back of church to greet the parishoners as they exited. My son, who was about 4 yrs. old at the time, asked him "Where's the real priest?" The Sunday we heard of his passing I asked the children at our Children's Liturgy session what they remembered most about Msgr. Hudak. They immediately replied that they liked it when he would pat them on the head if they were sitting in the pew along the aisle as he processed into or out of church. I told them that he had loved them all and guaranteed he was watching them from Heaven at that very moment and was smiling. We as parents appreciated the love & compassion he exuded. He was also very comforting to my mother as she battled a serious illness over the course of a couple of years. There aren't words enough to say how much he will be missed.

Cindy Capresecco

August 23, 2005

Msgr.Hudak - I equate his name with love. We knew him at Holy Infant parish, and visited him in New Oxford. His influence is one of the reasons my son wants to be a priest. His compassion and prayerful intervention touched many lives. He took great pride in wearing the "God Squad" shirt we gave him; and that is what he was.. one of God's gentle warrriors who changed people's lives forever. We will miss you, and love you. We hope his family takes comfort in knowing how much Fr. Hudak was loved and respected. It was an honor to know him. One of my favorite memories of him: after daily mass he would lift my son, John Paul (then 4), up to blow out the candles by the altar. Then, they would say a prayer together. May Our Lady's mantle rest gently around him for eternity.

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