Andrew John Hudak

Andy Hudak, age 78, of Boston, passed away on June 25 surrounded by his loved ones after a battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather; caring brother and uncle; and a dear friend to many.

Andy grew up in Middlesex, New Jersey, and spent most of his adult life in Boston. Andy met the love of his life, Doris, at student council camp at the ripe age of 17 and they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary the day before his passing. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1967, serving most of his time on the USS Albany, and received his professional degree in architecture from Harvard's Graduate School of Design in 1975.

Family was of the utmost importance to Andy and he began his architectural career as a solo entrepreneur in order to help raise his daughters, Neva and Jean. At a time when many men focused solely on their careers, Andy spent his days with his girls at Moms & Tots swim lessons and feeding the ducks at Larz Anderson Park.

Andy served as Deputy Director of the City of Boston's Public Facilities Department for 13 years, retiring in 2008. He was committed to excellence in public buildings and he was adamant that everyone deserves access to high-quality public buildings. During his tenure, Andy oversaw the construction of many noteworthy projects, including the Mattapan and Allston libraries and the Orchard Garden School.

Andy was a true Renaissance man: gardener, artist, handyman, wine enthusiast, cook, and baker. He loved traveling, listening to music, reading mystery novels, playing with his grandchildren, relaxing at the beach, and completing the New York Times Mini Crossword faster than Doris.

Andy especially enjoyed walking in the Arnold Arboretum. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arboretum in his memory or stroll among the trees and think of him.

He will be sorely missed.