Frank E. Dudla

Frank E. Dudla of Granville passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Oct. 11, 2008, at Glens Falls Hospital, to join his wife and soul mate Mavis.  He was 87.

He was born Dec. 9, 1920, in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of Frank J. and Teresa (Ponda) Dudla.

Frank, a graduate of Granville High School, was the second oldest of seven children.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre as a petty officer second class machinist mate.

Upon return from the service, he was employed at Sandy Hill Iron and Brass for several years before beginning his service at Great Meadow Correctional Facility as a correction officer and a quality control foreman in the industry department, retiring in 1982.  He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing, golf and cooking.

Frank was a member of Little League, Inc., serving as coach and manager for several years.  He was a member of Norton Hose Fire Company, Granville Pistol Club, American Legion, VFW and was a past grand knight and fourth-degree member of the Granville Knights of Columbus No. 343.

He was also a member and past president of the Granville Lions Club, and was awarded the Melvin Jones Award and was a life member.

Frank was predeceased by his mother, father, wife Mavis, sister Anna Braw and brother Paul Dudla.

He is survived by his two sons, David and his wife, Jeanne, of Fort Mill, S.C., and Frank and his wife, Bridget, of Saratoga Springs.  He was blessed with five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

Also surviving are his sisters, Marge Thomas, Francis Mihivic, Teresa Niles and her husband, Bill, and Dorothy Nelson; his brother-in-law Donald Parry and his wife, Carm; his sister-in-law, Mary Dudla, and numerous nieces and nephews, with special thanks to Paula and Bernie Bourgeois and their daughter Sarah.

The family would like to thank his many friends whose company he enjoyed over the years and a special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Glens Falls Hospital, Tower 5, who provided him with the best of care during his stay.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church with the Rev. Thomas Zelker presiding.  Burial was at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Calling hours were at the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville on Monday.

The family would like memorial donations in his memory to go to American Heart Association, Northeastern Region, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 and the Granville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 153, Granville, NY 12832.