Obituary of Nicholas Joseph Hudacek

Nicholas Joseph Hudacek Born July 4th, 1930. Age 88, of Bridgeville, formerly of Upper St. Clair, passed away on October 9, 2018. Nicholas was the beloved husband of Joan Varlotto Hudacek. They were married August 25, 1956 and celebrated 60 years of marriage before Joan passed in 2017. Nicholas was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Anna Hudacek, his four sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Orient, Ann Lammie, Olga Hudacek Suhy, Mary Hudacek, and one brother, Andrew Hudack. During his life, Nicholas accomplished much as a Korean War Veteran, Businessman, Devout Catholic, Sports Enthusiast, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Uncle. Nicholas was extremely proud of his three children and their accomplishments: Nick Hudak, Rosanne Warman (Dean Labby) and Carla Stowe (Donald). He loved being “Gramps” to his grandsons, Derek Warman, Michael Hudak (Nica Thomas) and John Patrick (Jenea). Nicholas’s grandson, Michael, preceded him, but not a day went by without Nicholas recalling a “Gramps” and Michael story. Nicholas was happy to retain his title of “Big Nick” to Michael’s and John’s mom, Nancy McMichael. He was thrilled to be “Great Grandpa Nick” to Anthony, Nicolas, Aislynn, Cecelia, Colton, Jack, and “baby” Theodore. He was one-of-a-kind “Uncle Nick” to numerous nieces and nephews. Nicholas was thankful for all the years of support and concern from his family and friends. Recently, he was very grateful for the kindness and care provided by the staff at the Mt. Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Nicholas had an intriguing journey throughout his life and was always known for being a hard worker and very sociable. In high school he was known as the “Munhall Kid” and was president of Senior Class “203” from Saint Thomas High School. He proudly served from 1951-54 in the United States Army. During the Korean War he became a Corporal in the Eighth Army, Units 145 and 151: Transportation Core for Helicopters. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. In 1987, Nicholas became a member of Cuddy VFW Post 586. Following the war, Nicholas graduated from Pittsburgh Technical Institute earning his diploma in Industrial Management Engineering. He also attended Duquesne University. Nicholas was a successful Life Insurance Agent having worked twenty-two years with Metropolitan Life and thirteen years with American General. Nicholas was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. Whether a winning or losing season, he was there cheering the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins, and University of Pittsburgh’s football and basketball. He could always be heard offering “encouraging advice” to any of the coaches while watching the Pregame, the Game, and of course the Post Game. He was thrilled to be in attendance during the Pirates’ 1960 World Series to see Game 7, ninth inning home run hit by Mazeroski. Nicholas was also a passionate fan of all the sports that his children, grandkids, and friends of the family played. One of his fondest memories was seeing his grandson play for Hopewell and win the PIAA Football Championship in Hersheypark Stadium in 2002. Nicholas was a daily reader of the former Pittsburgh Press and now the Post-Gazette. He never released any of the newspaper, especially the sports section, until he had completely read every article. His other free time was spent collecting antiques, watching the sport of kings, and eating great meals. Throughout the years, Nicholas especially embraced dining on many of his wife’s special dishes and pitzells. While Nicholas will be greatly missed on earth, we rejoice in the fact that Joan and Nicholas are united again. Family and friends are invited to visit and share in the celebration of Nicholas’ life on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412.221.3333). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 AM at Holy Child Parish in Bridgeville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, (DAV).