Paul S. Dudzik

Paul S. Dudzik, 91, of Old Forge, died Wednesday afternoon in the Mountain City Health & Rehabilitation Center, Hazleton, surrounded by his loved ones. His beloved wife is Lucille Prizzi Dudzik. The couple celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on May 12, 2022.

Born in Dupont, son of the late Stanley and Mary Pintha Dudzik, he was educated in Sacred Heart Elementary School and became a 1949 graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School, Pittston. Paul later graduated from the University of Scranton, having received both his bachelor's degree and MBA. Paul began his career initially as a manager for International Correspondence School, and subsequently, as Vice President of Finance at Blue Cross of Northeastern PA.

A proud Air Force veteran of the Korean War, Paul was stationed in Japan until his honorable discharge. He was a faithful and dedicated parishioner of Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge, having served as both lector and usher. He had many pastimes, but his favorite things were watching his grandchildren grow and gardening. He also was an active member of the Hughestown Sports Club and attended many Penn State football games with his family. He was also an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan.

Also surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Mary Kurtz, of Old Forge, and Theresa Kazmerick, of Exeter; three granddaughters, Nicole Palkovic, and husband, Michael, of Mountain Top, Christina Kurtz, and fiancé, Jeremy Fedor, of Old Forge, and Melissa Kazmerick, of Exeter; a great-grandson, Nathan Fedor; two sisters-in-law, Rosalie Prizzi, of Old Forge, and Stella Dudzik, of Kingston; a brother-in-law, Joseph Tremblay, of Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was also predeceased by his two sons-in-law, Ralph Kurtz and Richard Kazmerick, who both died this past year; two brothers, Stanley and Adam Dudzik; eleven sisters, Estelle Milos, Mary Moldzierz, Stephanie Fabiano, Cecelia Pierce, Alice Kurre, Sherry Meek, Ann Chmielewski, Bernadine Sokolowsky, Barbara Dudzik, Antoinette Haduck and Theresa Tremblay; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ross and Elizabeth Prizzi.

Paul's funeral will begin Wednesday with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace St., Old Forge, by the Rev. August A. Ricciardi, pastor. Committal rites and interment will follow a procession to Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge.

Relatives and friends are invited to viewing in the church Wednesday from 9 until the start of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorial donations be directed to either St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Envelopes will be provided at the church.

The Dudzik Family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Ferri & Gillette Funeral Services LLC, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. To leave an online condolence visit the funeral home website or Facebook page.