Obituary of John M. Dudla

John M. Dudla John "Jack" Michael Dudla, 88, a lifelong resident of Granville, passed away on July 10, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born on April 6, 1936, in the house that he later purchased to raise his family. He was the son of John and Mary (Somich) Dudla. He graduated from Granville High School in 1954. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and spent the next four years at bases in both England and Wales as Airman 1st Class. He loved recounting stories of his travels and adventures overseas while in the service. Upon his return, Jack graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College with an AAS in Advertising, Design, and Production. He also furthered his education at SUNY New Paltz. Jack worked in the advertising field in Manhattan before moving back to his hometown in 1963 to start a career as a graphic artist in the in-house printing department at the Telescope Folding Furniture Company. He spent the next 39 years designing, creating, and publishing their annual catalog and calendar, retiring in 2002 as Print Shop Manager. He was married to Jane Ladasky for over 60 years until her death in 2022, together raising five children. Jack had several hobbies and pastimes including fishing, bicycling in his older years, painting and drawing, gardening, and cooking. He was a 'handyman' and was always working on projects around his home. Jack enjoyed coaching Little League baseball for many years, even after his own children had outgrown the program. He often could be found making the rounds on the local tennis circuit, playing in many tournaments over the years and spending just as much time on the courts with his children. He loved all sports, and when not playing he would be watching on TV. He spent many winters with his kids tobogganing and ice skating, and taking them for evening walks in the snow for a cup of hot chocolate at the local diners. He also loved to take the kids on hikes to the slate quarries behind their home. Jack was a man of few words, but he did have a quick wit and quite a sense of humor. He instilled his many honorable traits in his children, such as a strong work ethic and stubborn determination. Jack was predeceased by his wife Jane, sister Marjorie (Prehoda) of Granville, and brother William of Binghamton. He is survived by five children: Allison Nearing of Arlington, Texas, Susan Dudla of Hebron, John Dudla (Kellie) of Queensbury, Kristen Vogel (Terry) of Granville, and Andrew Dudla (Shannon Palmer) of Charlton; five grandchildren: Joel Nearing (Jessie), Jordan Crumbaker (Mike), and Jackson Nearing (Perla), all of Arlington, Texas; Chloe Dudla of Scotia, and Courtney Dudla of Glenville. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Maxwell and Olivia Nearing, Zoe and Carter Crumbaker, and Julianna Nearing, as well as several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church Street, Granville, New York, on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. After viewing, a brief service will be held. The family will have a private interment at a later date. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. John Sawyer and Dr. Noelle Stevens, the Granville Rescue Squad, and the nursing and support staff in the Emergency Department, ICU, and Oncology Unit at Glens Falls Hospital for their incredibly professional and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Granville Rescue Squad or your favorite charity in Jack's name. A seed grows with no sound, but a tree falls with huge noise.