Chester Dudzik

YOUNGSTOWN - Chester Dudzik, 87, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, Nov. 2, 2018, at Omni Manor Care Center.

Chester was born June 25, 1931, in Poland, Europe. He was the son of the late Martin and Kathryn Dudzik, and came to America in 1949, settling in Orange, Va. before coming to Youngstown two years later.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed in Italy during the Korean War. After his return to the States following his tour of duty, he met the love of his life, his future wife, Mary Ann Saletra, at a polka party at the Idora Park Ballroom in 1954.

Mr. Dudzik worked for General Fireproofing and GF Business Equipment for 39 years, retiring in 1990 when operations closed. He later worked at Kessler Products, Amex Dies, and for Carney Plastics.

He was member of St. Dominic Church in Youngstown.

Chester attended the New Castle School of Trades, studying auto mechanics and electronics. He used his knowledge and many talents to help family and friends, and was often affectionately referred to as “Mr. Fix-it.” A soft-spoken man, Chester will always be remembered as a kind, loving, and generous person.

Mr. Dudzik leaves his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Dudzik, whom he married Aug. 4, 1956, in St. Casimir Church in Youngstown; two children, whom he loved dearly, Anthony “Tony” (Jeanette Welsh) Dudzik of Columbus and Susan Marie Dudzik of Boardman; a granddaughter, Rachel Elizabeth Dudzik of Columbus; a brother, Ted Dudzik of Mineral Ridge; and a sister, Genevieve Kobylanski of North Jackson.

Chester will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A brother, Bill Dudzik; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Charlotte Dudzik; and a brother-in-law, Eugene Kobylanski, preceded Chester in death.

Family and friends may call from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a memorial service will take place at 1 p.m.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chester’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

Chester’s family thanks the staff with Omni Manor, and with Hospice of the Valley, for the kindness shown and care given to Chester.