Frank E. Fudge

Frank E. Fudge, of Hazleton, passed away peacefully Friday morning at his home, where he was a life-long resident.

Born in McAdoo on May 13, 1930, he was the son of the late John and Jennie (Voccola) Fudge.

Frank was a Korean War veteran and served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1949 thru 1953.  He worked the majority of his career with Mack Truck Inc., Allentown and retired in 1987.  During his later retirement years, he drove a school bus for HASD.

Frank was a proud, passionate and caring man who would do anything for anyone.  He always cherished his wife, children, grandchildren and friends.

For many years, Frank and the love of his life, his wife, the late Cecelia ‘Pinky’, were well known and admired around the area for their skills on the dancefloor, never missing an opportunity to go out on a Saturday night (Lobitz’s, The Niagara, Genetti’s, Pocono Hershey), to see and dance to live entertainment.  They were easily spotted on the dancefloor because of their graceful, flowing moves and Frank’s “the Silver Fox” full head of hair.

Another passion of Frank’s was bowling. Since the 50’s, Frank was an avid and well-known bowler in the area, continuously participating in local and regional tournaments, bowling perfect games and not stopping until just a few years ago.  But most of his enjoyment came from mentoring and coaching. From 2003 thru 2010, Frank and his son Gary coached the Hazleton Area High School Bowling team. In 2007, Frank lead the boys’ varsity team to win the “first ever held” High School State tournament. Every kid, and there were many, adored and respected Frank for his patience and knowledge.

Preceding him in death, were brothers, Bobby, Vinnie, John, Pattie, Tony, and Joe.

Surviving, are his son Gary Fudge and wife Maryann, of Sugarloaf, and grandchildren Stephanie and Jason, of Philadelphia; daughter, Gail Duksta and husband Gary, of Sugarloaf, and grandson Jamie and fiancée Ashley Stratchko, of Hazleton; sister Mary LaMonica, of Levittown; many nieces and nephews; and lastly, Joan Horinko, of Hazleton, his sister-in-law and close friend after the passing of his wife Pinky.

His funeral will be held Wednesday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

A calling hour will be held Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the church.

The Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.

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