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Peter Dudek Obituary

DUDEK-Peter Dudek, died at the age of 66 from congestive heart failure on March 16, 2009. As was the case in life, Peter's wife Mickey was by his side at his death. Peter was born and raised in New Haven, CT, where he formed life-long friendships with a wonderful and colorful cast of characters one would expect to find in the pages of a Mickey Spillane novel, many of whom will be in attendance to say good-bye to their dear friend. Peter began h is teaching career in Westport, CT teaching high school and adult ed. Then like so many others of that time, Peter felt the pull of the California dream and moved to Covina, CA in 1967 where he taught in the Bassett Unified School District while also building his successful business as a painting contractor. Peter was a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Art Education. He also attended California State University, Los Angeles, for Guidance Counseling, Vocational Education and O ccupational Analysis and Pepperdine University for Principles of Guidance and Personality and Mental Health. Peter was a dedicated educator intent on providing the opportunity to excel to those who felt they had been marginalized by society. Despite his illness, at the time of his death he was still teaching at Cerritos College. Peter has been an active and productive member of the local business community for over 40 years. In keeping with his desire to help others, at the time of his death he was listed a s an organ donor. Although having suffered from a long-term illness he was a successful donor providing corneas, skin and bones that will give sight and grafts to no fewer than 50 recipients. His large and loving family, friends and acquaintances are enormously proud of this remarkable man. His family would like to thank the amazing and dedicated medical team that provided for Peter throughout his illness. It is their caring and dedication that gave him hope and comfort as well as precious additional years of life: Dr. John Easthope Dr. Michael Gurevitch Dr. Frederick O. Lee Dr. David Moritz The nurses, PCAs and staff at Huntington Memorial Hospital. Aetna Insurance Company for never being an uncaring corporation, but for always being a patient advocate and a true partner in seeing to his well-being Peter leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Mickey Dudek, daughters Shawn Dudek and Monique Dudek, of New Haven, CT, Charlene Lecain-Horton of Van Nuys, CA, Tiffany Lecain, the granddaughter Peter & Mickey h ave had the gift of raising; sisters Valerie Raccio, Carol Dorio, Denise Gambardella , brother Ron Dudek, grandson John Keith Smith, great-grandson Jayden Smith, all of New Haven, CT, God-Children Kathy Rizzo, Rhiannon Keller, Candace Harper-Woods and Christian Harper. His mother, Olga Dudek and his father, Mitchell Dudek preceded Peter in death. His many friends and family applaud and celebrate Pete's life and will always love and miss him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Mar. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Dudek

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Shawn Dudek

March 16, 2010

Hello Dad,

Today is a year...time flies. I guess every year will be hard for me until we meet again. Your by my side at all times, I can feel you with me and watching over me. Thank you Dad for being a wonderful father to me.

Until we meet again...

Love your daughter,

Shawn

Shawn Dudek

March 15, 2010

Hello Dad, it"ll now be a full year since your passing tomorrow. I still feel as though it was yesterday and want to still pick up the phone and call you. There will always be an empty space in my life that no other can fill. I pray that your at piece without the pain.

I love you Dad, and I think of you every day. You probably hear me talking to you some days. And I will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

LoveYour Daughter,

Shawn

Shawn Dudek

August 24, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Shawn Dudek

July 28, 2009

Hello Dad,

I just wanted you to know how much I miss you. This will be my first birthday not hearing your voice, or reading a card from you...it hurts so much. I miss our talks on the phone, even the people at my job miss hearing your voice calling to speak to me. I am glad that you have no more suffering and stress, and I am so glad that I got to see you in the hospital before your death. That was a wonderful visit to hold your hand, bring the balloons, the sun flowers, just to brighten your day. You can rest in peace now, no stress, no worries, no pain. How I wish I could just pick up the phone and talk to you, we talked so much every day that I still think the phone is going to ring and it'd be you on the other end of the line.

I do keep you in my prayers everyday and I wake up and tell you good morning. When I'm stressed, I sit by myself and talk to you. There is no one on this earth that can take that from me.

I'm so glad you made it to see your great grandson, he was very sad to have you gone, but I have a picture of you and Jayden together, so he looks at that picture alot. I'll have to pull out the camera you had me buy and show him the video of you and he together.

You are missed by a lot of people, and there is no one who could compare to you. You are the best Dad.

I love you, and I know you'll saying happy birthday from above and I will feel your spirit, because you walk with me everyday.

I love you,

Your daughter, Shawn.

Teresa Zampano

May 13, 2009

Shawn-- I am so sorry about your Dad. I will never forget meeting him and never the forget the love and joy he bought to you and your family. He is at peace now and his love will always be with you and your family. Thinking of you and your family. Love, Teresa

May 13, 2009

Dear Shawn,

I am sorry to learn of your tremendous loss. All who know you know how much you loved and cherished your Dad. You inspired him to live a creative life full of passion and laughter. My heart felt sympathy to you, your son and beautiful grandson.

Sincerely, Jennifer Ryan Hew Haven, CT

karen bryant

May 12, 2009

Shawnee -- I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Remember there is no sorrow that heaven can't heal. God bless you and your family. Love you much, Karen B.

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