Andrew Matthew Dudish

POTTSVILLE- Andrew Matthew Dudish, 101, of Pottsville, passed away peacefully on Friday morning with his loving family by his side. Born in Saint Clair on November 5, 1910, he was a son of the late Matthew and Mary Kevolic Dudish. Andrew was a Navy veteran having served during World War II. During the depression, he worked various jobs to supplement his family’s income. One of those jobs was at the former Necho Allen Hotel, Centre Street, Pottsville. At age 27, he started working for Sears and Roebuck Company and in 1972, he retired after 35 years of employment. He retired as the manager of the Major Appliance Department. He was member of Saint Michael’s Church, Saint Clair during his childhood. He became a member of Saint Patrick’s Church when he and his wife were married and has been to this day. Andrew was the oldest member of the Catholic War Vets and a member Amvets, both of Pottsville. He was also a member of the Black Diamond Navy Club, Minersville. Andrew was an avid golfer. He was a member of the Hidden Valley and Mountain Valley Senior Golf Leagues, having played up until several years ago and shot a 98 when he was 98 years old. He was also a gardener. Every summer, he looked forward to giving his family, friends and neighbors, his homegrown tomatoes. He also enjoyed having family and friends gather in his backyard for barbecues during the summer months. Every summer, for many years, he and his family would take their annual trip to either Stone Harbor or Avalon, NJ, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He loved to travel as well. He and his wife, Angeline, took many trips across America and throughout Europe. He enjoyed playing checkers and pinochle. He was proud to have won several Senior Citizen Checkers Championships. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael and Stephen Dudish; his sisters, Mary and Ann Dudish, June Hrabar, Sue Williams, Eva Sponenburg and Justine Rennick. Andrew is survived by his wife of 67 years, Angeline Dudish, of Pottsville; his son, A. Matthew Dudish, husband of Ann, of Pottsville; his two daughters, Sandra Griesbaum, wife Gerry, of Pottsville and Karen Gelting, wife of Jeff, of Deer Lake; his 6 loving Grandchildren, Krista Varano, wife of Christian, Kevin Griesbaum, husband of Mauli, Keith Griesbaum, husband of Kristen, Amanda Dudish-Black, wife of Mark, Drew Dudish and Garrett Gelting; his 5 great grandchildren, Kyra, Nate and Bella Varano and Neil and Lily Griesbaum; numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 P.M. at Saint Patrick’s Church, 4th & Mahantongo Sts., Pottsvillle. Monsignor Edward O’Connor will be officiating. Family and friends may call on Saturday morning from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Inc., 6th & West Market Sts., Pottsville. An Orthodox prayer service, Panahida, for the departed, will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be held at the convenience of the family in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Hillside, Pottsville. Memorial contributions can be made to the Pottsville Free Public Library, Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven EMS, Schuylkill County Historical Society or the Salvation Army, all of Pottsville. Online condolences may be sent to bestlifetributes.com. Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Inc., Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements.