Joseph Matthew Hudak

Joseph Matthew Hudak, 29-year resident of Powell, Ohio went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 16, surrounded throughout the week by his loving family, who supported Joe in his transition to his new life. Joseph was born on March 20, 1937, in Campbell, Ohio, to Joseph and Elizabeth Hudak. He married his high school sweetheart and forever love Jean Elizabeth Vrable, and they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Joe spent many years in public service as Superintendent of the Campbell Waste-Water Department. After his retirement, he continued a career of service with Meals on Wheels and as Activity Director at Vrable Healthcare nursing homes. Joseph is a veteran of the United States Army. He played amateur baseball in the Youngstown area and was invited to spring training for the New York Giant's baseball club. He shared his love of baseball by coaching girls softball in Campbell for many years.
Joe was a faithful Catholic and member of St. Johns' Catholic Church in Campbell, Ohio, where he served as President of the Men's Club and was a choir member for over 40 years. Upon Joe and Jean's move to Powell, Ohio he attended St. Joan of Arc and St. Andrew Churches. God blessed him with the beautiful gift of singing and he used that talent to glorify God by cantering at mass, singing at many family weddings, baptisms, funerals and special occasions to celebrate life. Joseph gave comfort to many residents at long-term care facilities in the Greater Columbus area by singing hymns and offering prayer services.
Joe dedicated himself to his family and showed his concern, love and attention to us every single day. Joe and Jean have two children, Elaine Messersmith (Mark), Joyce Parton (Tim) and grandchildren Jennifer Briggs (Bryan), Brian Messersmith (Michelle), Derek Miller (Kate) and Jared Miller (Olivia). He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brothers, Wilma Musser (Bill), William Hudak (Donna), Dorothy Delgreco (Sam), Dolores Seitz (Bob), Jim Beroteran, and Jean's brother Steven Vrable, all from the Youngstown, Ohio area. He is survived by his sisters Maryann Berroteran and Jean Stephenson (Edward), brothers-in-law Allan Vrable (Linda), Larry Vrable (Mary Ann) and sisters-in-law Lois Vrable and Mary Lou Mikula.
Joe's love of sports was evident by his close following of the Cleveland sports teams. However, his Ohio State Buckeyes were number one. Joe and Jean loved attending games in The Shoe and followed the team to away games including the Rose and Fiesta Bowls. Joe loved family holidays and parties and led the family in singing Christmas carols every year. He was proud of his Slovak heritage and enjoyed polka music and hymns. He enjoyed singing with his granddaughter Jenny and golfing and talking sports with his grandsons Brian, Derek and Jared. Joe and Jean dedicated themselves to helping their grandchildren through their college years at Ohio State, and he was delighted to have seen his great grandchildren join our family, Finn and Arlen Messersmith, children of Brian and Michelle Messersmith.
Calling hours will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday, November 19 at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 1:00 pm Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1899 McCoy Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. Joseph will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Lowellville, Ohio, surrounded by his family in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations by family and friends in memory of Joseph M. Hudak to the Ohio Health Foundation for Kobacker House at www.foundation.OhioHealth.com/Hospice